Case Report: severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in an adult: challenges in diagnosis and management

We report a rare case of severe <i>Mycoplasma (M.) pneumoniae</i>-associated acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in a previously healthy 26-year-old woman. The patient presented with delayed-onset encephalopathy following a mild respiratory infection. Rapid neurological deterioration, signs of transtentorial herniation, and refractory intracranial hypertension necessitated emergency decompressive hemicraniectomy. Diagnostic workup revealed elevated <i>M. pneumoniae</i> IgM and borderline PCR positivity. The patient was successfully treated with corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and targeted azithromycin. Complete clinical and radiological recovery was achieved. This case emphasizes the need for awareness of severe <i>M. pneumoniae</i>-associated CNS manifestations and highlights the challenges in diagnosis and management.