Transverse myelitis as a rare, serious complication of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.

We report on the first published case of a Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated transverse myelitis appearing in childhood and leading to persistent paraplegia and bowel and bladder dysfunctions. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord indicated extensive transverse myelitis extending from T(5)-T(12). A repeated scan established spinal cord atrophy in the affected area. Various therapies (methylprednisolone pulse therapy, plasmapheresis, and roxythromycine) produced no clinical effect.