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Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis Associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection in a Child
Aram Yang1, Ben Kang1, So Yoon Choi1
1Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is responsible for approximately 20% to 30% of community-acquired pneumonia, and is well known for its diverse extrapulmonary manifestations. However, acute necrotizing pancreatits is an extremely rare extrapulmonary manifestation of M. pneumoniae infection. A 6-year-old girl was admitted due to abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, and confused mentality. Acute necrotizing pancreatitis was diagnosed according to symptoms, laboratory test results, and abdominal computed tomography scans. M. pneumoniae infection was diagnosed by a 4-fold increase in antibodies to M. pneumoniae between acute and convalescent sera by particle agglutination antibody assay. No other etiologic factors or pathogens were detected. Despite the occurrence of a large infected pseudocyst during the course, the patient was able to discharge without morbidity by early aggressive supportive care. This is the first case in Korea of a child with acute necrotizing pancreatitis associated with M. pneumoniae infection.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause rare acute necrotizing pancreatitis in children. Early supportive care led to a full recovery in a pediatric case of this severe infection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia, with known extrapulmonary complications.
- Acute necrotizing pancreatitis is an exceptionally rare manifestation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old girl presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, and confusion.
- Diagnosis of acute necrotizing pancreatitis was confirmed via clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings.
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was identified through serological antibody testing.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms and diagnostic results indicated acute necrotizing pancreatitis.
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae was confirmed as the causative agent.
- No other pathogens or etiological factors were identified.
Implications:
- This case highlights acute necrotizing pancreatitis as an extremely rare extrapulmonary manifestation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children.
- Early and aggressive supportive care is crucial for managing this rare complication.
- This is the first reported case in Korea linking Mycoplasma pneumoniae to pediatric acute necrotizing pancreatitis.
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