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Mycoplasma pneumoniae with atypical stevens-johnson syndrome: a diagnostic challenge

Ralph Yachoui1, Sharon L Kolasinski, David E Feinstein

  • 1Division of Rheumatology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Suite 262, E and R Building, The Haddon Avenue Office, Camden, NJ 08103, USA.

Case Reports in Infectious Diseases
|February 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) can present atypically without a rash, particularly with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. Recognizing these incomplete SJS cases is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a severe mucocutaneous reaction.
  • Classic SJS involves a targetoid rash and mucosal involvement (oral, genital, conjunctival).
  • Atypical SJS presentations, lacking the characteristic rash, are increasingly reported, often linked to Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of diagnosing atypical Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
  • To emphasize that SJS can occur without a typical skin rash.
  • To underscore the association between Mycoplasma pneumoniae and incomplete SJS presentations.

Main Methods:

  • Case report presentation.
  • Review of clinical presentation and diagnostic considerations for SJS.
  • Discussion of atypical SJS features and Mycoplasma pneumoniae association.

Main Results:

  • The case demonstrates an incomplete SJS presentation without the classic targetoid rash.
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was a potential contributing factor.
  • The diagnosis of SJS was made despite the absence of typical dermatological findings.

Conclusions:

  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome should be considered even in the absence of a rash.
  • Atypical SJS presentations require high clinical suspicion.
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an important consideration in atypical SJS cases.

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