Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with optic neuritis following Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.

Abstract

The involvement of both the central and peripheral nervous systems in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is rare. We report a patient who developed bilateral optic neuritis and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) following a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. A 32-year-old man presented with progressive weakness, ataxia, and dysphagia after a recent respiratory infection. Clinical, cerebrospinal fluid, and neurophysiological findings were consistent with GBS, and treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin was initiated. Two days later, the patient developed visual loss, and post-infectious autoimmune optic neuritis was diagnosed. Treatment with methylprednisolone and plasmapheresis led to significant neurological and visual recovery. At one-year follow-up, the patient had full neurological recovery and maintained 20/20 visual acuity in both eyes. This case illustrates the rare coexistence of GBS and optic neuritis and highlights that, despite severe presentation, timely diagnosis and immunotherapy can result in excellent long-term outcomes.