Although Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects more than 95% of the world’s population, development of hepatic failure is a rare complication. However, mortality rate of hepatic failure due to EBV is high. A two-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital because of abdominal swelling and fatigue. On the physical examination macular lesions which blanched with pressure, hepatomegaly and multiple lymph nodes were noted. Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen IgM and IgG were positive. The patient was lost because of hepatic failure on the fourth day of the admission despite supportive treatment. Clinical findings and laboratory investigations of the patient are discussed.

Keywords: Epstein-Barr virus, karaciğer yetmezliği, hepatic failure