[Clinical characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated ischemic stroke in children, and a literature review].

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP)-associated ischemic stroke in children.

METHODS

The case of a girl with MP-associated ischemic stroke was reported, including clinical manifestations and laboratory and imaging examinations, and related literature was reviewed.

RESULTS

The girl, who was suffering from a respiratory tract infection was found to have hemiplegia and aphasia which were expressed in ischemic stroke. IgM antibody to MP in serum (1∶320) and lavage fluid was positive. Pulmonary imaging showed unilateral consolidation and pleural exudate. Cerebral neuroimaging examination showed occlusion of the bilateral middle cerebral artery, mainly on the left side. The neurological symptoms and signs were recovered after comprehensive therapy with medication (azithromycin, hormone and heparin) and rehabilitation training.

CONCLUSIONS

Ischemic stroke is rare but severe manifestation of central nervous system damage in children suffering from MP infection. Cerebral imaging and etiological examinations contribute to the diagnosis. Early use of macrolide antibiotics, anticoagulant and hormone may improve the prognosis.