Mycoplasma pneumoniae- induced rash and mucositis: a recently described entity

Abstract

Mycoplasmapneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory infections. Although most cases are mild, some patients have extrapulmonary complications including mucocutaneous eruptions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and erythemamultiforme (EM). Recently, a new entity, called M. pneumoniae-induced rash and mucositis (MIRM) was described. The authors present a clinical case difficult to classify attending to the classical classification of epidermolytic syndromes that meets the criteria proposed for the diagnosis of MIRM. The mucocutaneous disease associated with M. pneumoniae presents predominant mucositis, with scarce or absent cutaneous involvement. Because of the distinct morphology, pathophysiology and benign clinical course, MIRM should be considered as a new entity, distinct from SJS/TEN and EM.

Keywords: Dermatology; Medical Education; Pneumonia (infectious Disease).

Figure 1

Chest radiograph: note the ill-defined opacity in the left lower lobe.

Figure 2

Erosions on the lips and oral mucosa partially covered by haemorrhagic crusts. Also note some atypical targets with central bulla on the face.

Figure 3

Conjunctival hyperaemia.

Figure 4

Erythema and oedema of the glans penis and prepuce.

Figure 5

Scattered erythematous papules and atypical targets symmetrically distributed on the lower limbs.

Figure 6

Clinical improvement of the cutaneous and mucosal lesions at discharge.