Ophthalmic Manifestations of Mycoplasma-Induced Rash and Mucositis

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of pediatric respiratory infections, with a quarter having extrapulmonary complications, most commonly a mucocutaneous eruption involving the ocular surface. A detailed description of the ophthalmic manifestations in Mycoplasma-induced rash and mucositis (MIRM) is currently lacking in the scientific literature.

This is a retrospective chart review of consecutive cases of MIRM at a tertiary referral children's hospital between October 1 and December 1, 2018, with up to 2 months of follow-up. Main outcomes and measures were demographic information, clinical examination findings including visual acuity, detailed anterior segment findings, and course of both ophthalmic and systemic disease.

Five patients were included. Age range was 8 to 17 years (mean age 11.9 years, median 11 years), with a strong male preponderance (4:1). All patients had inflammatory conjunctivitis. One patient had recurrent conjunctival pseudomembrane formation, whereas 2 patients had lid margin and conjunctival ulceration. No cases had corneal involvement and visual outcomes were excellent.

MIRM is associated with ocular involvement in almost all cases. Although this is generally mild, conjunctival epithelial defects and pseudomembrane formation can occur. We recommend that pediatric ophthalmologists follow children who are hospitalized with MIRM as closely as they would those diagnosed with other mucocutaneous syndromes, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.