Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Late Treatment Leading to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Renal Failure

INTRODUCTION: Mycoplasma pneumonia is one of the most common types of pneumonia, although it is often not diagnosed due to mild clinical course. AIMS: In this case study we aim to describe the importance of considering mycoplasma pneumonia in high-risk groups. METHODS: We present the case of a 27-year-old woman admitted with pneumonia, progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute kidney injury. She had a prolonged stay in the ICU, requiring intubation and continuous veno-venous haemofiltration (CVVH). After 1 month in hospital, she was discharged with full recovery. DISCUSSION: Mycoplasma pneumonia is a common type of pneumonia in the community, but only a small percentage of patients require hospitalization. Delayed treatment can result in multi-organ failure, which requires intensive care and long hospital stays. LEARNING POINTS: Delayed initiation of proper treatment allowed our patient’s mycoplasma pneumonia to progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute kidney injury. The British Thoracic Society does not recommend blanket empiric treatment of mycoplasma pneumonia, although other European and American guidelines do, and so it is important to consider this organism in high-risk groups to prevent severe complications.