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Nuclear bilateral Bell's palsy and ageusia associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pulmonary infection

Salim Trad1, Jade Ghosn1, Didier Dormont1

  • 1Département des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales1, Service de Neuroradiologie2 and Fédération de Neurologie3, CHU Pitié-Salpétrière, 47-83 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France.

Journal of Medical Microbiology
|March 17, 2005
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a rare instance of bilateral facial nerve paralysis and ageusia linked to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Brain imaging revealed unusual lesions in the pons, a novel finding for this infection.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neuroimaging

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen.
  • Neurological complications of M. pneumoniae infections are known but typically involve peripheral nerves.
  • Nuclear palsies are rare manifestations of infectious agents.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with bilateral Bell's palsy and ageusia.
  • The symptoms were associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed T2-weighted hyper-intense lesions in the pons.

Findings:

  • The observed pontine lesions suggest a central nervous system involvement.
  • This pattern of nuclear facial palsy is distinct from previously reported peripheral M. pneumoniae-associated neurological issues.
  • This case represents a previously undescribed neurological manifestation of M. pneumoniae.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential for M. pneumoniae to cause central neurological deficits.
  • Suggests the need for considering M. pneumoniae in cases of unexplained nuclear palsies.
  • Broadens the understanding of the neurological spectrum associated with M. pneumoniae infections.

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