Severe pneumonia with Mycoplasma pneumoniae -induced raѕh and mucositis in an 8-year-old boy

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children. While M. pneumoniae infection is typically mild and self-limiting, individuals of all ages may develop severe CAP or extrapulmonary manifestations such as M. pneumoniae-induced rash and mucositis (MIRM). Severe M. pneumoniae pneumonia with concurrent MIRM in an 8-year-old boy is reported. The clinical course was complicated by persistent fever, severe mucositis and bilateral multi-lobar pneumonia requiring advanced respiratory support. Initial antibiotic and supportive therapy yielded little improvement, but the introduction of corticosteroids resulted in marked clinical improvement of both the pneumonia and mucositis. This case emphasises that MIRM may indicate a more severe course of M. pneumoniae infection, and that early corticosteroid therapy could be beneficial in such cases.