Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated myelitis: a comprehensive review

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology

Background:

• Myelitis, including acute transverse myelitis (ATM) and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), is a severe central nervous system complication associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.
• While M. pneumoniae is implicated, the exact causal link and pathogenesis in these neurological syndromes require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and classify existing literature on Mycoplasma spp.-associated ATM and ADEM with spinal cord pathology.
• To consolidate information on the diagnosis, epidemiology, immunopathogenesis, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, neuroimaging, and treatment of these rare neurological conditions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of cases of Mycoplasma spp.-associated ATM and ADEM with dominant spinal cord pathology.
• Classification of cases based on the strength of evidence implicating M. pneumoniae as the causative agent.

Main Results:

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a potential cause of ATM and ADEM, particularly those with significant spinal cord involvement.
• The review compiles data on various aspects of these rare neurological syndromes, highlighting diagnostic challenges and therapeutic considerations.

Conclusions:

• The precise role of M. pneumoniae in ATM/ADEM syndromes necessitates further investigation, particularly utilizing advanced molecular diagnostic techniques.
• Immunomodulating therapies show promise as a treatment strategy for these M. pneumoniae-associated neurological complications.