Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae Misinterpreted as SARS-CoV-2 Infection. (2nd June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Metz, Carlos; Rixecker, Torben; Mang, Sebastian; Becker, André; Maßmann, Alexander; Becker, Sören L.; Papan, Cihan; Gärtner, Barbara; Seiler, Frederik; Danziger, Guy; Bals, Robert; Lepper, Philipp M.
• Other Names: Corrado Antonio Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in pulmonology. Volume 2021(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06-02
• Subjects: Lungs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory infections -- Periodicals; Lung Diseases; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Respiratory Tract Infections; Lungs -- Diseases; Respiratory infections; Respiratory organs -- Diseases; Periodicals; Case Reports; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.2
• DOI: 10.1155/2021/5546723
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6846

Abstract

Abstract : Background . In 2020, a novel coronavirus caused a global pandemic with a clinical picture termed COVID-19, accounting for numerous cases of ARDS. However, there are still other infectious causes of ARDS that should be considered, especially as the majority of these pathogens are specifically treatable. Case Presentation . We present the case of a 36-year-old gentleman who was admitted to the hospital with flu-like symptoms, after completing a half-marathon one week before admission. As infection with SARS-CoV-2 was suspected based on radiologic imaging, the hypoxemic patient was immediately transferred to the ICU, where he developed ARDS. Empiric antimicrobial chemotherapy was initiated, the patient deteriorated further, therapy was changed, and the patient was transferred to a tertiary care ARDS center. As cold agglutinins were present, the hypothesis of an infection with SARS-CoV-2 was then questioned. Bronchoscopic sampling revealed Mycoplasma (M.) pneumoniae . When antimicrobial chemotherapy was adjusted, the patient recovered quickly. Conclusion . Usually, M. pneumoniae causes mild disease. When antimicrobial chemotherapy was adjusted, the patient recovered quickly. The case underlines the importance to adhere to established treatment guidelines, scrutinize treatment modalities, and not to forget other potential causes of severe pneumonia or ARDS.