Unexplained acute renal failure in a toddler: a rare complication of Epstein-Barr virus.

A previously healthy toddler developed severe acute renal failure with nephromegaly and peripheral atypical lymphocytosis. Profound interstitial nephritis with acute tubular necrosis was diagnosed by renal biopsy, and both the clinical picture and serological evaluation suggested Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as the etiological agent. The previous reports of EBV-induced renal failure and the clinical and pathological presentations of interstitial nephritis in children are reviewed.