SPONTANEOUS RETROPHARYNGEAL HEMATOMA ATTRIBUTABLE TO EPSTEIN-BARR-VIRUS INFECTION

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 functio n. We present a case of retropharyngeal haematoma with posterior hypop haryngeal wall necrosis, thrombocytopenia and altered clotting functio n as a result of Epstein-Barr virus infection. A review of the literat ure on retropharyngeal haematoma reveals this to be the only recorded case which can be directly attributed to Epstein-Barr virus infection.