Use of corticosteroids in Mycoplasma pneumoniae encephalitis: A case report and review of literature

Encephalitis is the most common central nervous system (CNS) complication of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. CNS involvement represents the second most common organ system involved other than respiratory system by M. pneumoniae. We report a case of 11-year old male child, who was referred to us with recurrent episodes of status epilepticus and worsening level of consciousness. M. pneumoniae encephalitis was diagnosed on the basis of positive serology and exclusion of other causes. High dose corticosteroid therapy was given, which resulted in rapid improvement in the patient's neurological condition and full recovery without any neurological sequel. This case emphasizes the importance of CNS complications of M. pneumoniae and shows that corticosteroid therapy has a place for treatment of mycoplasma encephalitis. The available literature regarding this subject is also presented.