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Published on: February 24, 2023

Transverse myelitis as a rare, serious complication of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

Györgyi Csábi1, Hedvig Komáromy, Katalin Hollódy

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Pécs, 7623 Pécs, Hungary. gyorgyi.csabi@aok.pte.hu

Pediatric Neurology
|September 15, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This study details the first childhood case of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated transverse myelitis, resulting in lasting paralysis and dysfunction. Therapies showed no clinical improvement in this severe pediatric neurological case.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Transverse myelitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the spinal cord.
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen.
  • Pediatric transverse myelitis can have various etiologies and outcomes.

Observation:

  • A child presented with symptoms suggestive of transverse myelitis.
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was identified as a potential trigger.
  • Clinical examination revealed persistent paraplegia and bowel/bladder dysfunction.

Findings:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed extensive transverse myelitis from T(5)-T(12).
  • Spinal cord atrophy was noted in the affected region on follow-up imaging.
  • Standard treatments including methylprednisolone, plasmapheresis, and roxythromycin were ineffective.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a rare but severe neurological complication of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children.
  • The findings suggest potential challenges in treating this specific etiology of pediatric transverse myelitis.
  • Further research may be needed to understand the pathogenesis and identify effective treatments for Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated transverse myelitis.

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