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[Optic neuritis attributable to Mycoplasma pneumoniae]

E Sagui1, E Chazalon, M Bregigeon

  • 1Service de Neurologie, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Laveran, Marseille. emmanuel.sagui@laposte.net

Revue Neurologique
|November 23, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Optic neuritis, an inflammatory eye condition, can be caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Early detection through antibody testing is recommended for Mycoplasma pneumoniae-related optic neuritis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Optic neuritis (ON) is an inflammatory condition of the optic nerve with often unknown causes.
  • Extra-pulmonary manifestations of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection can include neurological conditions.

Observation:

  • A 26-year-old man presented with sudden bilateral vision loss, diagnosed as ON.
  • Cervical spinal cord demyelination and lymphocytic meningitis were observed.
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae specific IgM antibodies were detected, confirming MP infection.

Findings:

  • The case highlights a rare presentation of ON linked to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed lymphocytic meningitis with oligoclonal bands.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging showed a demyelinating lesion in the cervical spinal cord.

Implications:

  • Routine screening for anti-Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM antibodies is suggested for patients diagnosed with ON.
  • This finding expands the understanding of Mycoplasma pneumoniae's neurological impact.
  • Prompt diagnosis and potential treatment can lead to favorable outcomes in MP-associated neurological conditions.

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