Mycoplasma pneumoniae encephalitis

Background. - Severe central nervous system diseases, such as encephalitis, have been reported in association with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. Case report. - After an ENT infection, a 9-year-old boy with Down's syndrome developed encephalitis revealed by an acute alteration in consciousness. Head computed tomography showed, after 2 weeks, an infiltration in the basal ganglia region. The diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae encephalitis was made; recovery was complete in a few weeks. Conclusion.- Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection should be considered in all cases of acute encephalopathy; yet the pathogenesis of the disorder is unknown and the treatment uncertain. (C) 1999 Elsevier, Paris.