ENT: Infectious Mononucleosis: Free MSRA Podcast

✅ MSRA Deep Dive: Infectious Mononucleosis (Glandular Fever)In this revision-focused episode, we break down infectious mononucleosis, commonly called mono or the kissing disease. Caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), this condition affects adolescents and young adults and is a frequent MSRA topic. We summarise the key features, from classic symptoms to rare complications — all based on the latest revision notes.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 DefinitionInfectious mononucleosis is a viral illness caused by EBV, most common in 15–24-year-olds, and characterised by fever, sore throat, lymphadenopathy, and profound fatigue.📌 Transmission• Saliva – kissing, sharing drinks• Also: blood transfusion, sexual contact, respiratory droplets📌 PathophysiologyEBV infects B lymphocytes, triggering an intense immune response via cytotoxic T cells. The symptoms result largely from this immune battle — not just the virus itself.📌 Risk Factors• Close contact (e.g., kissing)• Teenagers and young adults• Weakened immunity• Most people are infected during childhood (often asymptomatic)📌 Epidemiology• Worldwide distribution• Asymptomatic in children, but symptomatic in teens• Common in developed countries📌 Symptoms• Triad: Fever, pharyngitis, cervical lymphadenopathy• Fatigue, malaise• Tonsillar enlargement ± white patches• Hepatosplenomegaly, rash, headache, jaundice• Severe: airway obstruction📌 Signs• Palatal petechiae, maculopapular rash• Periorbital oedema• Bruising, mild jaundice• Splenomegaly → critical for management📌 Differential Diagnoses• Strep pharyngitis, tonsillitis• CMV (mononucleosis-like syndrome)• Other viral URTIs• HIV (in prolonged cases)📌 Investigations• Monospot (heterophile antibody test) – typically positive in teens/adults• EBV serology – IgM = acute; IgG = past infection• FBC – raised lymphocytes ± atypical lymphocytes• LFTs – may show mild hepatitis• Imaging (US/CT) only if splenic rupture suspected📌 Management🎯 Supportive care• Rest, hydration, paracetamol• Avoid contact sports for at least 4–8 weeks to reduce splenic rupture risk⚠️ No antibiotics unless bacterial co-infection• Steroids only in airway compromise• Rare: IVIG in severe thrombocytopenia with bleeding📌 Prognosis• Self-limiting in most cases• Fatigue may persist for weeks–months• Most recover fully with rest and time📌 Complications• Splenic rupture – especially in young men• Airway obstruction• Hepatitis, jaundice, myocarditis• Neurological: Guillain-Barré, meningitis, encephalitis• Malignancies: Hodgkin lymphoma, Burkitt’s lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma• Interstitial nephritis, rare CNS complications🔗 Infectious Mononucleosis MSRA Resources📄 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/infectious-mononucleosis-revision-notes/💬 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/infectious-mononucleosis-flashcards/🧠 Accordion Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/infectious-mononucleosis-accordion-qa-notes/📝 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/infectious-mononucleosis-rapid-quiz/🎯 Quiz Portal: https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/infectious-mononucleosis/📚 ENT MSRA Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/ent-for-the-msra/🏷️ Hashtags#MSRA #Mononucleosis #GlandularFever #InfectiousMononucleosis #EBV #MSRARevision #MSRAENT #MSRAFlashcards #PassTheMSRA #FreeMSRA #ENTMSRA #MonospotTest #SplenicRupture