Infectious Mononucleosis in an Athlete: Another Potentially Life-Threatening Complication

Abstract

A 19-year-old male intercollegiate football player presented to the athletic training room with symptoms of sore throat, nasal congestion, fatigue, and bleeding, experienced for 3 weeks. His clinical and laboratory evaluation was consistent with infectious mononucleosis and severe thrombocytopenia. The athlete was immediately removed from participation and evaluated by a hematologist who confirmed the diagnosis and started oral glucocorticoid therapy. The athlete’s symptoms improved and thrombocytopenia resolved with therapy. Timely identification of severe thrombocytopenia allows for safe removal from participation. Collaboration among the sports medicine team as well as specialists, when needed, allows for optimal management of these rare complications.