Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Associated Transverse Myelitis in a 26-Year-Old Male

Abstract

Transverse myelitis is a rare, serious complication of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Here we report a case of acute transverse myelitis in a previously healthy 26-year-old male, during the course of a lower respiratory infection. The diagnosis was based on magnetic resonance imaging findings of the spinal cord and on the quantitative determination of IgM and IgG antibodies against M. pneumoniae in the serum and a positive nested PCR test in the sputum. Diagnostic workout did not reveal any other cause of the neurological symptoms. The patient was treated successfully with intravenous azithomycin and doxycycline. His recovery was progressive and he was discharged without any neurologic sequelae.




J Med Cases. 2013;4(10):701-704
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/jmc1480e