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Mycoplasma encephalitis, incomplete Kawasaki disease and MERS, a new association? Short communication

Eva Diab1, Emeline Destombe2, Cécile Grenenko C2

  • 1Department of Pediatric Neurology, Amiens-Picardie University Medical Center, Amiens, France; CHIMERE Research Unit UR 75 16, Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France.

Archives De Pediatrie : Organe Officiel De La Societe Francaise De Pediatrie
|January 10, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) can be triggered by Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, sometimes overlapping with incomplete Kawasaki disease in children. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) is a rare condition primarily seen in children, often linked to infections.
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is an infrequent but documented cause of MERS.
  • Kawasaki disease (KD) can manifest with neurological symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of a 14-year-old boy presenting with acute encephalopathy, MP infection, and incomplete KD.
  • To highlight the association between MERS, MP, and incomplete KD.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical case presentation.
  • Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to identify the splenial lesion.
  • Diagnostic workup for infection and KD criteria.

Main Results:

  • The patient exhibited acute encephalopathy with MP infection and features of incomplete KD.
  • Brain MRI confirmed a reversible splenial lesion characteristic of MERS.
  • Mucocutaneous signs and transient coronary artery dilatation were observed.
  • The patient showed improvement with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment.

Conclusions:

  • This case illustrates a rare convergence of MERS, MP infection, and incomplete KD.
  • Shared inflammatory mechanisms may underlie these conditions.
  • Clinicians should consider this association in pediatric encephalopathy cases with systemic inflammation.
Keywords:
Kawasaki diseaseMERSMycoplasma pneumoniaeNeuroinflammationSplenial lesion

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