Development of Bronchiectasis in an Adolescent with Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia: a Clinical Case

Abstract

Respiratory mycoplasmosis is a group of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract in which Mycoplasma pneumoniae acts as the main etiological agent. This pathogen is considered a relevant risk factor for the development of chronic lung diseases in children, such as bronchiolitis obliterans, bronchial asthma and bronchiectasis, due to its ability to trigger a hyperimmune response, disrupt the epithelial barrier and exert prolonged cytotoxic effects on the components of mucociliary clearance. Aim. To present our own clinical observation of the development of bronchiectasis in adolescents in the outcome of mycoplasma pneumonia. Methods. A retrospective analysis of the medical history was performed. A case of a hospitalized patient in a specialized pulmonology department with mycoplasma bronchopneumonia and the formation of local cylindrical bronchiectasis in segments S6– S8 of the left lung and subsequent catamnestic clinical and instrumental follow-up for 12 months is described. Results. It has been shown that with timely verification of the etiology of the disease and the appointment of adequate macrolide therapy, the reverse development of bronchiectasis is possible with the restoration of normal pneumatization of the pulmonary parenchyma, which is typical for children with preserved mucociliary clearance. Conclusions. The inclusion of computed tomography of the chest organs in the examination algorithm for patients with community-acquired pneumonia of atypical etiology makes it possible to identify changes in the bronchopulmonary tree that require longterm follow-up.