Parsonage-Turner-syndrome associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) can present with neurological complications.
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a known pathogen for CAP.
• Parsonage-Turner Syndrome (PTS) is a rare neurological condition characterized by acute, severe shoulder pain and arm weakness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between Mycoplasma pneumoniae and neurological complications in CAP.
• To highlight the rare occurrence of Parsonage-Turner Syndrome in the context of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of cases reporting neurological complications with CAP.
• Analysis of patient data where Mycoplasma pneumoniae was identified as the causative agent.
• Review of diagnostic criteria and clinical presentations of Parsonage-Turner Syndrome.

Main Results:

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae was identified as a potential causative agent in CAP-associated neurological complications.
• Parsonage-Turner Syndrome was rarely reported but observed in patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.
• Clinical features included neuralgic shoulder pain and amyotrophy.

Conclusions:

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neurological complications following community-acquired pneumonia.
• The occurrence of Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, though rare, warrants clinical awareness in patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking Mycoplasma pneumoniae to PTS.