A Case of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia with Concurrent Acute Epipharyngitis in an Adult

Abstract

　We encountered an adult patient with pneumonia and concurrent acute epipharyngitis caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae; this appears to be the first case report, as we could not find any previous reports in the literature from Japan or elsewhere.

　A 21-year-old female patient presented with a 39°C fever, sore throat and headache, with subsequent exacerbation of cough. Her general condition was favorable. Although a large amount of pus was found coating the epipharynx, the patient's white blood cell count was normal, although her serum C-reactive protein level was elevated. A plain chest X-ray revealed a cloudy shadow in the lower right lung fields, characteristic of M. pneumoniae pneumonia. M. pneumoniae was isolated from the epipharynx. In patients exhibiting a clinical course, general condition, and laboratory findings similar to those in the present case, acute epipharyngitis and pneumonia caused by M. pneumoniae should be suspected, and appropriate testing must be performed.