Ticino Medical Tribune is the official publication of the Ordine dei medici del Cantone Ticino (OMCT). The Institute of Family Medicine collaborates and ensures the scientific quality of the contributions published in the peer-reviewed section.
Multidisciplinary medicine: integration, leadership, and the challenge of fragmentation
Copyright (c) 2026 All content published in Tribuna Medica Ticinese is protected by copyright. The authors retain the copyright to their works and grant the journal a license for publication. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of the published content is prohibited, except as permitted by law or with the written permission of the authors and the publisher. Respecting copyright ensures the integrity and protection of scientific work.
Is there a need to improve information provided to gynecologists in Ticino regarding vaccinations during pregnancy?
In Switzerland, influenza vaccination during pregnancy has been recommended since 2010, and pertussis vaccination since 2017. This cross-sectional pilot study conducted in the Canton of Ticino analyzed, through questionnaires and interviews, the practices of 43 gynecologists regarding the recommendation and administration of the two vaccines. All participants recommend pertussis vaccination and 95% administer it, whereas the influenza vaccine is systematically recommended by 74% and regularly administered by 65%. The specialists perceive pertussis vaccination as more effective in protecting the newborn, while they tend to underestimate the risks of influenza during pregnancy and show some uncertainty in communicating with patients. Overall, adherence to recommendations is good, but there is a clear need to strengthen training and awareness, particularly regarding influenza and infant protection.
Gynecologists’ practices and perceptions
Anastomic leaks treated with dual endo-sponges following rectal cancer surgery
We describe a case of dual anastomotic leaks following a lower anterior rectal resection for a low-grade rectal adenocarcinoma diagnosed during a routine colonoscopy. The anastomotic defect was complex, characterized by two coexisting leaks located on the same anastomosis, resulting in an open circumference exceeding 300°. Dual Endo-SPONGEs ® were positioned via recto- igmoidoscopy and replaced every 3 to 4 days for 40 days. This approach achieved complete healing of both anastomotic leaks, being one of the first documented cases of complete closure of very large, dual, circumferential anastomotic leaks successfully managed with endoluminal vacuum therapy alone.
The active involvement ofpatients in clinical oncologyresearch
Patient and community engagement across all stages of clinical research development is now widely recognized as an essential component. This activity, referred to as Patient and Public Involvement (PPI), is distinct from participating as a study subject. Since 2006, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has acknowledged the importance of the interaction between patients, consumers, and those involved in the research and development of new therapies. Patients can contribute to clinical research by identifying their needs, helping to shape study design and assessment schedules, thus improving feasibility and acceptability. They are also involved in the preparation of the information materials for patients, informed-consent documents, patient diaries, quality-of-life questionnaires, and the lay summary that must be uploaded on the national clinical-trial portal within twelve months after study completion. The article describes ongoing and planned initiatives at the Istituto Oncologico della Svizzera Italiana in the field of PPI. These include a training course for patients on the fundamentals of clinical research, a public patient forum to promote Patient and Public Involvement, and a training program for healthcare professionals on patient engagement in research. The Area Formazione Medica e Ricerca and the Clinical Trial Unit actively promote PP and are working to extend these activities to other areas of biomedical research.
Navigating plurality: A patient’sperspective on his care journey
This illustrative case describes the experience of an 80-year-old man in the Ticino healthcare system, highlighting how communication, continuity, and interprofessionality determine the perceived quality of care. Through a semi-structured interview and thematic analysis followed by participant validation, key passages emerge: from the feeling of a “rocking boat” to engagement as a team member thanks to visible clinical direction; from monitoring “parameters” to requesting trajectories with verifiable objectives and timelines. The plurality of professionals appears both salvific and disorienting. The case shows how focusing on relational and biographical dimensions, including extra-clinical narrative spaces, helps to support agency, trust, and coordination along the way.
Interdisciplinary Approach in Complex Oncological Clinical Cases
We report a complex case of a patient with multiple comorbidities managed through a multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, cardiologists, and clinical pharmacologists. This integrated collaboration enabled an evidence-based therapeutic decision, tailored to the patient’s elevated cardiovascular risk profile. Clinical pharmacology played a pivotal role in personalizing and safely monitoring the therapeutic strategy, which was defined by oncologists in close coordination with cardiologists to optimize outcomes and minimize adverse effects.
Malattia Leventinese: A Non-Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Malattia Leventinese, also known as Doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy, was first described in patients living in the Leventine Valley in Canton Ticino of southern Switzerland in 1925. It is an hereditary retinal dystrophy characterized by an autosomal dominant mutation in the EFEMP1 gene. This pathology was initially described by Doyne in 1899 in England. Later, in 1925, Vogt described a similar phenotipic picture in the Leventine Valley. A particular contribute to the investigation of Malattia Leventinese was due to a Swiss ophthalmologist, Forni, who described the ophthalmoscopic features adding histological images. The suspect that the two separately described clinical entities corresponded to the same disease arose as early as 1962, but the confirm went only in 1999 as a result of genetic studies. This rare disease shows many aspects very similar to the more frequent age-related macular degeneration. The similarities include the history and symptoms, as both condition may have an insidious onset of mild visual disturbances, with an age-related increasing loss of visual acuity. Drusen are typical found in early stages, but later neovascularization and subsequent scarring may form, and in advanced stages geographic atrophy may occur, and severe central vision loss may result. Imaging, in particular optical coherence tomography, is the main diagnostic method for diagnosis and follow- up of both diseases. For Malattia Leventinese the only risk factor is genetic. Therefore any patient suspected of having in his ancestry a case of hereditary dystrophy of the retina should be referred to an ophthalmologist for examination.
When it’s not necrotizing fasciitis: a case of benign subcutaneous emphysema
A 54-year-old woman presented with hand swelling 15 hours after sustaining a superficial incision between her fingers with a letter opener. She was afebrile and reported minimal pain. Examination revealed crepitus extending from the dorsum of the hand to the forearm, without inflammatory signs. Radiographs showed subcutaneous emphysema without fascial involvement, and inflammatory markers were normal. Infectious causes such as necrotizing fasciitis were excluded, and a diagnosis of benign subcutaneous emphysema was made. The patient recovered fully with immobilization and prophylactic antibiotics.
Arnold’s reflex: when the earmakes you cough
Coughing is the mechanical response to stimulation of certain anatomical structures linked to the innervation of the vagus nerve and frequently leads to consulting the physicians. Understanding the origin of cough is crucial in many cases, as treatment options differ significantly depending on the underlying cause. The diagnostic process can lead to expensive and unnecessary exams. Among these is Arnold’s reflex, which is nothing more than a physiological response to mechanical stimulation of the ear, discovered two centuries ago. It is a rare condition, the frequency of which increases in people with chronic cough. A comprehensive medical history, in addition to an otoscopic examination, are simple and sufficient tools for diagnosing Arnold’s reflex.
The Use of Artificial Intelligencein the Diagnosis of Cutaneous Melanoma
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping melanoma diagnosis through convolutional neural networks (CNNs), achieving accuracy comparable to, and sometimes exceeding, that of expert dermatologists. Prospective studies and systematic reviews highlight the benefits of Augmented Intelligence, combining algorithmic output with clinical judgment to enhance sensitivity and specificity. Nonetheless, important limitations persist, including dataset bias, underrepresentation of darker skin types, and insufficient external validation. Ethical, regulatory, and trust-related issues remain critical. Overall, AI represents a promising support tool in dermatology, but requires transparency, robust clinical validation, and specialist supervision to ensure safe and responsible integration into clinical practice.
Lipedema: an overlooked clinicalchallenge in women’s health -fromearly diagnosis to multidisciplinary management
Lipedema is a chronic, progressive, and painful disorder characterised by symmetrical accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue in the limbs, with typical sparing of the hands and feet, and a marked predominance in females. Onset most frequently occurs during hormonal transitions such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, and may be associated with a hereditary predisposition. The pathophysiology involves the interaction of genetic and hormonal factors, in association with microvascular and lymphatic dysfunction, adipocyte hyperplasia and hypertrophy, and chronic inflammatory processes. The clinical picture includes spontaneous or pressure- induced pain, hypersensitivity, easy bruising, and functional limitations, with a significant psychosocial impact. Diagnosis is clinical, based on positive criteria and the exclusion of conditions with similar presentations such as obesity, lymphoedema, lipo-hypertrophy, and Dercum’s disease. Management is primarily conservative and includes regular physical exercise, compression therapy, and complex decongestive lymphatic therapy. In refractory cases, liposuction is a surgical option with low risk and excellent outcomes. Poor awareness of the condition and the absence of specific biomarkers contribute to substantial underdiagnosis. Early recognition by general practitioners is crucial for timely referral to an angiologist, who serves as a reference figure for excluding vascular comorbidities and defining a multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic pathway involving nutritionists, psychologists, and physiotherapists, with the aim of preventing disease progression and improving quality of life.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:A Challenge in Family Medicine
Chronic fatigue syndrome, also termed myalgic encephalomyelitis, is a disabling condition that remains underdiagnosed in primary care. We report a 53-year-old woman who developed persistent exhaustion, cognitive impairment, and social withdrawal after postoperative sepsis, leading to the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. The condition is characterized by post-exertional worsening of symptoms, unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive dysfunction, with multifactorial pathophysiology involving immune, neurological, metabolic, and endocrine pathways. No curative therapy exists; management relies on multidisciplinary care and energy management strategies. Greater awareness in family medicine is essential for timely diagnosis, advocacy, and social and professional reintegration.
Copyright (c) 2025 All content published in Tribuna Medica Ticinese is protected by copyright. The authors retain the copyright to their works and grant the journal a license for publication. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of the published content is prohibited, except as permitted by law or with the written permission of the authors and the publisher. Respecting copyright ensures the integrity and protection of scientific work.
Endogenous Brewery Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Alcohol Intoxication
Endogenous brewery syndrome, also known as “auto-brewery syndrome,” is a very rare condition in which the intestinal microbiota ferments ingested carbohydrates into ethanol, leading to episodes of alcohol intoxication in the absence of alcohol consumption. To date, only about one hundred cases have been reported, with clinical manifestations ranging from dizziness and ataxia to overt intoxication and medicolegal complications. Even rarer is urinary fermentation, characterized by ethanol presence in urine without corresponding blood elevation. Predisposing factors include dysbiosis, high-carbohydrate diets, diabetes, and immunosuppression. Diagnosis relies on a thorough medical history, carbohydrate challenge tests, and microbiological investigations. Treatment involves carbohydrate restriction, antifungal (or antibiotic) therapy, and microbiota-balancing strategies. This syndrome highlights the metabolic role of the microbiota and its clinical and legal implications.
A case of refractory severe hypomagnesemia
A 90-year-old male patient was hospitalized following syncope without prodromal symptoms. Clinical examination revealed a positive Chvostek sign and brisk deep tendon reflexes. Laboratory tests demonstrated severe hypomagnesemia (0.21 mmol/L), hypokalemia (2.8 mmol/L), and hypocalcemia (corrected calcium 1.81 mmol/L), along with a prolonged QTc interval (510 msec) on electrocardiography. Initial management included intravenous electrolytes replacement, discontinuation of metformin and, especially, of pantoprazole. After an initial improvement, we switched from intravenous to oral magnesium supplementation, but magnesium levels declined again. Further history-taking revealed that the patient consumed exclusively soft-drinks (such as cola- based beverages). These drinks contain phosphoric acid, which acts as a chelating agent, binding magnesium and inhibiting its intestinal absorption. Discontinuation of this beverage intake led to normalization of magnesium levels. Finally, the syncope of our patient is most likely attributable to an arrhythmia secondary to electrolyte disturbances. The most severely altered electrolyte is magnesium, which has contributed to the development of both hypokalemia and hypocalcemia. The origin of this disturbance is probably multifactorial, involving the use of proton pump inhibitors (and possibly metformin), the malnutrition commonly seen in elderly patients, and the exclusive consumption of soft-drinks, resulting in a chelating effect.
A 70-year-old man presented with nasal airway obstruction due to a pedunculated pharyngeal mass. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma, with no evidence of multiple myeloma on diagnostic work-up. Plasma cell neoplasms typically manifest either as solitary plasmacytomas (5–10% of cases) or as multiple myeloma (90–95%). Solitary plasmacytomas, characterized by localized clonal proliferation of plasma cells without systemic involvement, most commonly arise within bone but may also occur in extramedullary sites. In these cases, symptoms are primarily related to the local mass effect. The standard treatment for solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma is complete surgical excision when feasible, or curative radiotherapy, which may also serve as complementary therapy in cases of incomplete resection. Compared with osseous plasmacytoma, the extramedullary variant generally has a more favorable prognosis. Following local therapy, only a minority of patients develop local recurrence, while 10–20% progress to multiple myeloma. The five-year overall survival rate ranges from 40% to 85%, highlighting the importance of close follow-up for at least five years. In our patient, given a radical surgical resection, no additional therapy was administered. Subsequent follow-up (currently nine years after diagnosis) has shown no evidence of local recurrence or progression to multiple myeloma.
Lemierre syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening septic condition, most commonly caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum. We report the case of a 36-yearold man presenting with high fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, and respiratory manifestations shortly after a recent dental extraction. Imaging revealed thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and septic pulmonary emboli, and microbiological investigations identified Fusobacterium necrophorum. Early recognition of the syndrome and initiation of empiric intravenous antibiotic therapy resulted in a favorable clinical outcome. This case underscores the importance of considering Lemierre syndrome in patients with oropharyngeal infection and signs of sepsis.
Beyond the Surface: Clinical and DiagnosticAspects of Acquired Perforating Dermatosis
Acquired perforating dermatosis is a rare condition characterized by transepidermal elimination of dermal material, often associated with systemic diseases such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease. We report a 77-year-old man with type II diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism who developed generalized pruritus and papular skin lesions. Histopathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of acquired perforating dermatosis. Secondary bacterial infection was treated with systemic antibiotics. Management focused on discontinuation of potent topical corticosteroids and initiation of targeted therapy for underlying atopic diathesis, underscoring the importance of individualized multidisciplinary care.
Preventing acute radiodermatitiswith photobiomodulation therapy:a literature review
Radiation-induced dermatitis (RID) is one of the most common acute toxicities associated with external beam radiotherapy, particularly in breast cancer patients. In general patients develop mild to moderate RID, however it can affect quality of life, and few effective preventive strategies are currently available. The aim of this narrative review is to examine the current evidence supporting the use of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) for the prevention of acute RID in breast cancer patients, focusing on mechanisms of action and its integration into standard care. Emphasis was placed on studies involving breast cancer radiotherapy and on evidence from major clinical trials. PBM, a non-invasive light-based intervention, has been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of grade ≥2 RID in multiple trials. Treatment protocols typically involve near-infrared light (808–905 nm) applied 1–2 times weekly during radiotherapy. All reviewed studies reported high patient tolerability and no negative oncologic outcomes. PBM was one of the few modalities endorsed in recent international guidelines for RID prevention. PBM is a safe and effective option for preventing acute RID in breast cancer patients undergoing curative radiotherapy. With growing clinical support and guideline endorsement, PBM is well positioned for broader adoption as part of routine supportive cancer care. Future research should focus on protocol standardization and expanding its use to other cancer populations.
Polypharmacy in general internalmedicine in italian-speaking Switzerland: an analysis of SWICOS data
Polypharmacy, defined as the concurrent daily use of five or more distinct medications, represents an increasingly relevant challenge in clinical practice. Although the term has existed since the 19th century, its clinical significance has grown substantially over recent decades. Using data from the Swiss Cohort Study (SWICOS) - a prospective, population-based investigation conducted between 2015 and 2018 - we assessed the prevalence and determinants of polypharmacy in the Mesolcina valley. Data collection included demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and pharmacological treatments. Polypharmacy prevalence was evaluated in 474 participants aged 18 years or older (268 [56%] women and 206 [44%] men). The most frequently used drug classes, listed in decreasing order of frequency, were: analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents (N=108), vitamins (N=86), cardiovascular medications (N=81), proton pump inhibitors (N=44), lipid-lowering agents (N=40), antiplatelet agents (N=33), psychotropic drugs (N=28), oral contraceptives (N=18), antidiabetic agents (N=14), and anticoagulants (N=8). Prevalence of polypharmacy increased significantly with age: it was observed in 10 of 236 individuals (4.2%) aged 18–49 years, in 23 of 180 (13%) aged 50–69 years, and in 24 of 58 (41%) aged ≥70 years. Prevalence was similar between sexes. In conclusion, polypharmacy increases with advancing age in Mesolcina valley, mirroring demographic and clinical trends observed in aging societies.
Anterior cruciate ligament injury: surgical techniques and possible conservative treatment
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is the most common ligament injury of the knee joint, frequently affecting both professional and amateur athletes. Surgical options—such as ligament reconstruction, reinsertion, or augmentation— are widely adopted; however, conservative management remains a valid alternative in selected cases. This narrative review aims to synthesize the most recent evidence on ACL injury treatment strategies, highlighting the factors that guide clinical decision-making. Recent literature increasingly emphasizes that patient age alone should no longer be the primary determinant of treatment choice. Instead, the individual’s activity level and functional demands play a more significant role in selecting the most appropriate therapeutic approach. Moreover, targeted rehabilitation programs that include muscle strengthening and proprioceptive exercises have shown to improve outcomes across both surgical and non-surgical pathways. These interventions contribute to joint stability, functional recovery, and overall patient satisfaction. Importantly, the presence of associated meniscal injuries often shifts the balance in favor of surgical intervention due to the increased risk of long-term joint degeneration. Further research is needed to refine patient selection criteria and optimize individualized treatment protocols.
Carbon monoxide poisoning: emerging and overlooked causes
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a subtle and insidious medical emergency. Due to its ability to mimic other conditions such as influenza, food poisoning, vestibular disorders, acute coronary syndrome, or epileptic seizures, it has been referred to as the “chameleon of emergencies”. While fires are a well-recognized source of carbon monoxide exposure, cases in which the origin remains unknown to both physicians and patients are increasingly reported. To enhance awareness of emerging and overlooked sources of carbon monoxide poisoning and summarize its pathophysiology, we conducted a comprehensive review in the National Library of Medicine. The toxicity of carbon monoxide relies on impaired blood oxygen transport and inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain in the tissues. Less recognized sources include domestic combustion appliances (boilers, water heaters, stoves, ovens, and fireplaces), external heating sources (heating mushrooms), motor vehicle exhaust (cars, motorcycles, scooters, lawnmowers), sports-related activities (mud bogging, ice resurfacing machines), misuse of barbecues, portable power generators, and the use of narghile and cigarettes. Given the nonspecific presentation of carbon monoxide poisoning, improving recognition and diagnostic strategies is essential. Greater awareness among healthcare professionals, along with the integration of advanced diagnostic tools such as pulse oximeters capable of measuring carboxyhemoglobin levels, could facilitate earlier diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.
Cefepime and Neurotoxicity: An Underestimated Complication in the Geriatric Population
Cefepime is a widely used fourth-generation cephalosporin for the treatment of nosocomial infections but is known for its potential neurotoxicity, particularly in elderly and frail patients. This condition, characterized by cognitive impairment and confusion, occurs more frequently in the presence of renal insufficiency and/or suboptimal dosing. This paper presents two cases of geriatric patients, who developed cefepime-associated neurotoxicity.
Hypertension - prevalence andmanagement efficacy in Southern Switzerland
Hypertension is a major public health concern worldwide, significantly contributing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study investigates the prevalence, management, and treatment outcomes of hypertension in the Italian- speaking region of Switzerland. A total of 1,202 individuals participated in the study, undergoing office blood pressure measurements and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Results indicate that over 40% of the examined population exhibited hypertensive blood pressure levels according to the 2024 ESC and 2023 ESH guidelines. A key finding is that one in four individuals with office hypertension experienced stress-induced hypertension, highlighting the importance of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in distinguishing context related elevations from sustained hypertension. Additionally, three-quarters of those diagnosed with office hypertension presented with Grade 1 hypertension, underscoring the need for early intervention through lifestyle modifications and pharmacological treatment when necessary. Alarmingly, a significant proportion of hypertensive individuals did not receive adequate treatment. Among hypertensive patients, 74% were untreated, and among those undergoing treatment, 80% failed to reach target blood pressure levels. The study found that 85% of patients on monotherapy remained hypertensive, indicating the potential need for combination therapy and treatment optimization. These findings emphasize the essential role of primary care physicians in diagnosing and managing hypertension effectively. Physicians must ensure accurate blood pressure assessment, promote lifestyle changes, and tailor pharmacological interventions to individual needs. A comprehensive, multifaceted approach incorporating patient education, regular monitoring, and evidencebased treatment strategies is crucial to improving hypertension control and reducing the associated cardiovascular risks. This study highlights the urgent need for enhanced public health strategies to address hypertension and its long-term consequences effectively.
Suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome is a neuropathy with shoulder pain (due to involvement of sensory fibers from the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints) and weakness of supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. We show a 40-year-old female patient with a didactic clinical and ultrasound-imaging presentation.
Young athletes’ and parents’knowledge of sports-related concussionin Italian-speakingSwitzerland: a pilot study
Knowledge about sport-related concussion symptoms, prevention and management is critical to minimise severe consequences in paediatric patients, yet evidence on sport-related concussion knowledge among young athletes and their parents in the European context is scarce. This pilot study aims to test the feasibility and acceptability of populationbased study on sport-related concussion knowledge and associated factors in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. The CKBBQ was translated and adapted to fit the cultural context. Linguistic and face validity were assured before collecting pilot data. participants were recruited in early 2024 through sports coaches of high-risk team sports. descriptive statistics, t-tests, and bivariate correlations were performed to evaluate sport-related concussion knowledge levels in young athletes and parents and how it might differ based on socio-demographic and information-related factors. Data from 61 parents and 45 young athletes revealed that sociodemographic factors are not associated with sport-related concussion knowledge, but having received sport-related concussion information in the past year is a significant and positive predictor. Also, using dyadic data, a significant positive correlation was found between parents’ and adolescents’ sport-related concussion knowledge. Sport-related concussion information is crucial in improving knowledge about it. A large-scale population- ased prevalence study is needed to corroborate these findings and inform future sport-related concussion information interventions adapted to the specific cultural context. The study highlights the importance of reducing barriers to questionnaire access and involving key stakeholders including the sports doctor catering for this population.
Parsonage-Turner syndrome, a (notso) rare cause of shoulder pain
Parsonage-Turner syndrome is a pathology that mainly affects the brachial plexus in its upper or middle part and the peripheral nerves that originate from it. In the past, it was considered a rare disease, but recent studies show an annual incidence of about 1/1000. The clinical presentation has a characteristic course with a relatively rapid, often nocturnal onset of pain, most often localized in the proximal region of the arm and the trapezius muscle. The pain is usually not elicited by shoulder movements and is particularly severe at night. In the days following the onset of the first symptoms, there is a progressive paresis of part of the muscles of the shoulder. The diagnosis is based on the formulation of a clinical suspicion and subsequent confirmation by electro neuro-myography and imaging studies. While the main pain resolves spontaneously after 3–4 weeks, the motor disorder and a duller pain persist much longer and usually resolve within 1–3 years. While Parsonage-Turner syndrome was considered a benign disease in the past, there is now increasing evidence that a significant proportion of patients develop a chronic course characterized by persistent pain, weakness and fatigue in the affected extremity. Better clinical courses, however, appear to be favored by early treatment. It is therefore crucial to make the diagnosis as early as possible.
severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Renal damage and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection: a guide toclinical reasoning and literature review
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a well-recognized pathogen responsible for community-acquired respiratory infections, particularly atypical pneumonia. Beyond its respiratory involvement, this microorganism is often associated with extra-respiratory manifestations. However, available reviews only marginally address the potential occurrence of kidney injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Mycoplasma pneumoniae and kidney disease through expert analysis and a comprehensive literature review. Four possible mechanisms underlying kidney injury were identified: cardiorenal syndrome; pigment nephropathy resulting from hemolysis or rhabdomyolysis; “direct” kidney injury including interstitial nephritis, IgA mediated nephropathy, or hemolytic uremic syndrome; nephrotoxicity caused by medications used to treat Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection or to relieve symptoms. Renal impairment associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae predominantly occurs during the infection rather than as a post-infectious complication. This renal impairment is probably caused directly by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, cytokines, or by immunologically mediated mechanisms characteristic of the early immune response. This study highlights the need for clinicians to consider renal complications in patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, particularly those presenting with systemic symptoms.