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Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection With Cavitated Lung Lesions: A Case Report
Ana Luísa Campos1, Filipa Madalena F Gonçalves1, Magda Costa1
1Internal Medicine, Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira, Guimarães, PRT.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a common etiologic agent involved in community-acquired atypical bacterial pneumonia. In severe cases, M. pneumoniae can cause cavitated lung lesions. We describe the case of a 55-year-old male seen at the emergency department with complaints of cough, fever, dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, nausea, anorexia, asthenia, and night sweats. Cavitated lesions in the upper lobes of both lungs were documented on thoracic computed tomography (CT). An extensive investigation ruled out several infectious and non-infectious causes. The only positive result was a high immunoglobulin M (IgM) titer for M. pneumoniae. The patient was treated with azithromycin and exhibited rapid clinical improvement. Three months later, a repeat thoracic computed tomography showed the resolution of the cavitated lesions. In this rare case of M. pneumoniae pneumonia with cavitated lesions, early identification of the etiologic agent and prompt antibiotic therapy led to the resolution of the cavitated lung lesions.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia can cause severe lung cavitation. Early diagnosis and azithromycin treatment rapidly resolved these rare cavitated lung lesions in a patient.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a frequent cause of community-acquired atypical pneumonia.
- Severe MP infections can manifest with cavitated lung lesions, a rare complication.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old male presented with symptoms including cough, fever, and dyspnea.
- Thoracic CT revealed bilateral upper lobe cavitated lesions.
- Extensive workup excluded other causes; high IgM titers for MP were identified.
Findings:
- The patient received azithromycin for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.
- Rapid clinical improvement was observed post-treatment.
- Follow-up CT scans demonstrated complete resolution of cavitated lung lesions.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of early Mycoplasma pneumoniae identification in atypical pneumonia.
- Prompt antibiotic therapy can lead to the successful resolution of rare cavitated lung lesions.
- Highlights a rare but treatable manifestation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
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