Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Atypical Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A Case Series

Abstract

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired respiratory illness in the adolescent population. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is an extrapulmonary manifestation that has been associated with M pneumoniae infections. Three adolescent males presented within a 1-month period with M pneumoniae respiratory illnesses and severe mucositis but without the classic rash typical of Stevens-Johnson. Diagnosis was facilitated by the use of a polymerase chain reaction–based assay. This case series highlights the potential for M pneumoniae–associated Stevens-Johnson syndrome to occur without rash and supports the use of polymerase chain reaction for early diagnosis.