title: Spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma attributable to Epstein-Barr virus infection.
abstract: Life-threatening sequelae of Epstein-Barr virus infection are uncommon but may present as: local pharyngeal manifestations, splenic rupture, neurological and haematological disorders and altered hepatic function. We present a case of retropharyngeal haematoma with posterior hypopharyngeal wall necrosis, thrombocytopenia and altered clotting function as a result of Epstein-Barr virus infection. A review of the literature on retropharyngeal haematoma reveals this to be the only recorded case which can be directly attributed to Epstein-Barr virus infection.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: G O
authors.initials: GO
authors.lastname: Owen
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Morar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006406:Hematoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000821:virology*; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000821:virology*; D010614:Pharynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging