Upper Airway Obstruction in Infectious Mononucleosis

Abstract

Life-threatening upper respiratory obstruction is an unusual complication of infectious mononucleosis. Although the majority of fatalities result from progressive bulbar paralysis or the Guillain-Barré syndrome, airway impairment primarily occurs as a result of pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia and associated faucial arch edema. Recent experience in a young child with infectious mononucleosis who exhibited progressive hypersomnolence, sleep apnea, and stridor during sleep is presented. In addition, a retrospective analysis of 72 cases of respiratory complications of infectious mononucleosis provides guidelines for specific airway management. Mild upper respiratory obstruction with persistent fever, severe odynophagia, and malaise is treated with parenteral corticosteroids. Immediate tonsillectomy using a halothane and oxygen induction technique is recommended for severe airway occlusion. Tracheotomy is currently reserved for those patients with progressive alveolar hypoventilation, hypercarbia, atelectasis, and bulbar paralysis. In general, tonsillectomy is well-tolerated, eliminating airway obstruction, improving swallowing function, and rapidly resolving pharyngeal discomfort.