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Mycoplasma pneumoniae-Induced Rash and Mucositis Presenting With Persistent Mobitz Type I Atrioventricular Block in
Mohanageetha Ardhanari1, Hadiqa Memon2, Gabriela Moraru3
1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Background:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a known causative agent for community-acquired pneumonia. Extrapulmonary manifestations can occur independently of pneumonia in Mpneumoniae infection, and cardiac involvement is around 1% to 5%. Myocarditis and pericarditis are often associated with mycoplasma infections.
Case Summary:
An 8-year-old girl presented with fever, conjunctivitis, rash, and swelling of the lips and extremities. Laboratory findings showed thrombocytopenia, hyponatremia, elevated inflammatory markers, elevated pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, elevated troponin I, and negative respiratory viral panel. Electrocardiogram indicated normal sinus rhythm, and echocardiography showed a small pericardial effusion, otherwise unremarkable. Intravenous immunoglobulin was initiated for presumed atypical Kawasaki disease. The patient's hospital course was notable for the development of asymptomatic Mobitz type I (Wenckebach) second-degree atrioventricular block on telemetry. Mycoplasma serology was performed, which was positive for Mpneumoniae IgM, leading to the diagnosis of Mpneumoniae-induced rash and mucositis (MIRM) with cardiac involvement. Doxycycline was initiated, which was followed by gradual normalization of inflammatory markers, troponin I, and resolution of pericardial effusion. Mobitz type I atrioventricular block subsequently resolved.
Discussion:
Mpneumoniae is an atypical bacterium transmitted via respiratory droplets. Extrapulmonary manifestations are caused by direct invasion or by molecular mimicry-induced immune response.
Take-Home Messages:
MIRM mimics the symptoms of Kawasaki disease. Cardiac involvement in MIRM in the form of myopericarditis is common, whereas conduction abnormalities are rare in the pediatric age group. Early diagnosis of conduction abnormalities results in improved outcome.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause rare heart conduction issues like Mobitz type I atrioventricular block in children, mimicking Kawasaki disease. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics like doxycycline improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia with potential extrapulmonary effects.
- Cardiac involvement, including myocarditis and pericarditis, occurs in 1-5% of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.
- Extrapulmonary manifestations arise from direct bacterial invasion or immune responses.
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