A case of chronic active Epstein–Barr virus infection mimicking adult-onset Still’s disease

Abstract

An 83-year-old man was diagnosed with adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) based on clinical and laboratory findings. However, glucocorticoid had little effect. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-DNA was detected in peripheral blood, and autopsy findings confirmed a diagnosis of chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV). CAEBV mimics AOSD, and the presence of articular involvement and leukocytosis does not exclude the possibility of CAEBV. CAEBV should be included in the differential diagnosis of AOSD, and measurement of EBV-DNA is essential.

Keywords::

• Chronic active Epstein–Barr virus infection
• Adult-onset Still’s disease
• Hemophagocytic syndrome