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Published on: April 7, 2015

Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated cerebral infarction in a child

Chun-Yi Lee1, Yuan-Yuan Huang, Fang-Liang Huang

  • 1Section of Pediatrics, Chia-Yi Veterans Hospital, Taiwan.

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|February 12, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection can cause central nervous system issues, including rare cases of acute stroke in children. This case highlights a unique instance of bilateral internal carotid and vertebral artery occlusion following respiratory infection.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen.
  • Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is a known, though less common, extra-pulmonary manifestation.
  • Stroke is a rare but serious neurological complication associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.

Observation:

  • A 4-year-old child developed acute stroke symptoms.
  • The stroke occurred on the third day of a Mycoplasma pneumoniae respiratory tract infection.
  • Brain imaging revealed unusual bilateral internal carotid and vertebral artery occlusion.

Findings:

  • The patient presented with acute stroke secondary to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
  • Magnetic resonance angiography showed complete occlusion of the bilateral internal carotid arteries and vertebral arteries above C1.
  • This pattern of arterial occlusion is unprecedented in previously reported cases.

Implications:

  • This case expands the spectrum of CNS manifestations of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
  • It underscores the importance of considering Mycoplasma pneumoniae in pediatric stroke, especially with preceding respiratory symptoms.
  • The unique vascular findings may offer new insights into the pathophysiology of Mycoplasma-associated stroke.

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