Meningitis associated with bilateral optic papillitis following Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

Abstract

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is a frequent cause for human infection, and central nervous system disease associated with M. pneumoniae infection is being reported with increasing frequency. We described herein a 60-year-old woman who developed meningitis associated with bilateral optic papillitis following M. pneumoniae infection and discussed the possible mechanisms. To our knowledge, there have been only a few reports that described the meningitis complicated by bilateral optic papillitis in association with M. pneumoniae infection. Our case highlighted the protean neurological manifestations of M. pneumoniae infection.

Parainfectious Optic Neuritis

“…Mycoplasma also has been associated with optic neuritis in children and adults (17)(18)(19)(20). In our study, half of the children infected with Mycoplasma had bilateral disease, an observation described previously, especially in patients with other neurological involvement such as encephalomyelitis (16)(17)(18)(19)(20).…”

“…Neurological complications of M. pneumoniae infection in children include encephalitis and ADEM (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21). Mycoplasma also has been associated with optic neuritis in children and adults (17)(18)(19)(20).…”

Chronic meningitis with intracranial hypertension and bilateral neuroretinitis followingMycoplasma pneumoniaeinfection

“…M. pneumoniae has been associated with various ocular findings, usually occurring several days to weeks after the initial symptoms 9. Optic neuropathy is a rare but well- described complication 10 11. Neuroretinitis is an inflammatory disorder characterised by optic disc oedema and the subsequent formation of a macular star.…”