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Published on: January 23, 2019

Internal carotid artery occlusion associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in a child

Gönül Tanir1, Cumhur Aydemir, Deniz Yilmaz

  • 1Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr Sami Ulus Children's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
|July 20, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A child with severe pneumonia developed paralysis and facial paralysis due to a stroke affecting the left carotid artery and corpus striatum. This case highlights a rare complication of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory infections in children.
  • Neurological complications of Mycoplasma pneumoniae are rare but can be severe.
  • Cerebrovascular events are an under-recognized complication in pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.

Observation:

  • A 7-year-old girl presented with severe pneumonia, likely due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
  • She rapidly developed right-sided hemiparalysis and central facial paralysis.
  • Cerebral MRI revealed acute infarction in the left corpus striatum.

Findings:

  • Magnetic resonance angiography confirmed occlusion of the left internal carotid artery.
  • Laboratory tests showed positive antiphospholipid and anticardiolipin antibodies.
  • Elevated fibrinogen and D-dimer levels indicated a hypercoagulable state.

Implications:

  • This case suggests a potential link between Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and arterial ischemic stroke in children.
  • Antiphospholipid antibodies may play a role in the pathogenesis of these neurological complications.
  • Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and identify at-risk pediatric patients.

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