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Reversible parkinsonism and dystonia following probable mycoplasma pneumoniae infection
1Department of Neurology, University of Ulsan, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea.
Abstract:
Infectious disease is a rare cause of parkinsonism. We report a 7-year-old boy who developed flu-like symptoms followed by parkinsonian features including hypophonia, hypomimia, bradykinesia, and dystonia. A T2-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging showed high signal intensities in both basal ganglia. The results of serial serologic tests of Mycoplasma pneumonia antibody suggest that this movement disorder was associated with Mycoplasma pneumonia infection. The patient's symptoms gradually resolved, and the basal ganglionic lesions disappeared on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumonia infection can rarely cause parkinsonism in children. A young boy recovered fully after treatment, with brain imaging showing resolution of basal ganglia lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Parkinsonism is uncommon in children and typically associated with genetic or neurodegenerative causes.
- Infectious etiologies of parkinsonism are rare but have been documented.
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen in children.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old boy presented with flu-like symptoms followed by parkinsonian manifestations.
- Clinical features included hypophonia, hypomimia, bradykinesia, and dystonia.
- Brain MRI revealed T2-weighted high signal intensities in the basal ganglia.
Findings:
- Serologic tests confirmed Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
- The movement disorder was attributed to Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
- The patient experienced gradual symptom resolution and normalization of MRI findings.
Implications:
- This case highlights Mycoplasma pneumoniae as a potential cause of acute parkinsonism in children.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae may lead to full recovery.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathophysiology of infection-induced parkinsonism.