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An Atypical Presentation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection Mimicking Acute Surgical Abdomen in an Adult
1Internal Medicine, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Barnsley, GBR.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a causative organism of atypical pneumonia and often presents with extrapulmonary symptoms and signs involving cardiovascular, dermatological, gastrointestinal and neurological systems. This is mostly seen in children but less commonly reported in adults. This case describes M. pneumoniae infection in an adult who presented with severe abdominal pain and was initially investigated for surgical causes and underwent diagnostic laparoscopy with unremarkable intraoperative findings. This case report highlights the importance of recognising atypical presentations of M. pneumoniae and consideration of non-gastrointestinal pathologies in patients presenting with acute abdominal pain.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause severe abdominal pain in adults, mimicking surgical emergencies. Early recognition of this atypical presentation is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Internal Medicine
- Clinical Case Study
Background:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae commonly causes atypical pneumonia, often with extrapulmonary manifestations.
- Extrapulmonary symptoms are frequently observed in children but less documented in adults.
- Gastrointestinal involvement, including severe abdominal pain, is an uncommon presentation of M. pneumoniae in adults.
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