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Acute Pancreatitis: An Unusual Extrapulmonary Manifestation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Hina Rmsha Alfia Khan1, Avtar Singh2, Omer Usman3
1Internal Medicine, Deccan College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Hyderabad, IND.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a respiratory pathogen responsible for community-acquired atypical pneumonia. Apart from respiratory manifestations, other system involvement has also been reported. We present a case of interstitial pneumonia and a concurrent episode of acute pancreatitis in a young female who presented with fever, cough, vomiting, and epigastric pain. The abdominal evaluation revealed epigastric tenderness with no signs of organomegaly. Her complete metabolic profile was nonsignificant except for elevated serum lipase and amylase. Clinical, serological, and radiological features and detailed investigations confirmed the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and interstitial pneumonia caused by M. pneumoniae in the absence of any other etiology. Her respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms improved rapidly after commencing clarithromycin, providing a possible link between M. pneumoniae and pancreatitis.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a cause of atypical pneumonia, can also lead to acute pancreatitis. This case highlights the link between M. pneumoniae infection and pancreatitis, with symptoms improving after antibiotic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired atypical pneumonia.
- Extrapulmonary manifestations of M. pneumoniae infections are increasingly recognized.
Observation:
- A young female presented with fever, cough, vomiting, and epigastric pain, indicative of interstitial pneumonia and acute pancreatitis.
- Elevated serum lipase and amylase confirmed pancreatitis, while clinical, serological, and radiological findings pointed to M. pneumoniae as the causative agent.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of interstitial pneumonia and acute pancreatitis was confirmed in the absence of other etiologies.
- Treatment with clarithromycin led to rapid improvement in both respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential causal link between M. pneumoniae infection and acute pancreatitis.
- Early recognition and antibiotic treatment may be crucial for managing M. pneumoniae-associated pancreatitis.
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