Recurrent Pneumonia and Encephalitis due to Mycoplasma Pneumoniae

Abstract

Recurrent Mycoplasma pneumoniae encephalitis in a young man is reported. The patient appeared not to be immunodeficient and despite the presence of a focal inflammatory brain lesion with a predominance of polymorphonuclear cells no direct evidence of invasion by M. pneumoniae of his CNS was obtained. Although the mechanism of CNS engagement in M. pneumoniae respiratory tract infection still is unknown the case strongly indicates that certain individuals are somehow predisposed to such complications. The case also illustrates that CNS complications may occur even during a mild mycoplasma respiratory tract infection and that the radiological findings can mimic cerebral haemorrhage or abscess necessitating neurosurgical exploration.