CHIJIMATSU Clinic home page



The study of atypical mycobacterium infection

Case reportF78 years old male
Cheif complaintsFgeneral fatiguness, cough and sputum
Present illnessFSince 1993, he was indicated to have abnormal
chest roentgenogram. but it was considered to be the shadow of
old tuberculosis. On August, 1996, he complained of general
fatiguness, cough and sputum. He was examined by blood test
and chest roentgenogram. His phyisical examination revealed
decreased breathing sounds on both lungs. Rales are not audible

erythrocyte sedimentation rate one hour132mm, 2houurs164mm,
WBC5‚Q00A‚g‚‡‚‚8.9‚‡^‚„‚ŒC‚g‚ƒ‚”27.7“CCRP8.9mg/dlC
‚o‚o‚c‚“ skin test25mm,26mm

His chest roentgenogram showed infiltrate on both apices, and
noticed cavity formation. Both hilus are elevated.
Chest CT was performed.

Chest CT

There are multiple shadows with cavity on both apices, and
small nodules adjacent to pleura. Radiologist diagnosed his
roentgenogram compatible with atypical mycobacterium.


sputum smear:gaffky 3, sputum culture: positive (+++), (colony
200-500), niacin test: negative
drug test:FSM 0(+++),20(++),200(+) PAS 0(+++),1(+++),10(+++)
INH 0(+++),01(+++),1(+++),5(+++) EB 0(+++),2.5(+++),5(+++)
RFP 0(+++),10(+++),50(+++)

atypical mycobacterium growing
on culture tube


His previous chest X-ray film was examined.
Chest roentgenogram on Nov,30.1993

chest antero-postero roentgenogrtam

Chest‚b‚s



comment:The CT appearance of pulmonary nontuberlulous myco-
bacterial infection has been reported by several authers.
The CT appearance of classical NTMB mimics that seen in
patients with TB. Findings include apical opacities, cavities,
that may be smooth or irregular in appearance, bronchiectasis
in regions of severe lung damage, pleural thickening adjacent
to abnormal lung regions and small nodules (0.5-2.0cm)
probably representing endobronchial spread of infection.
Moor reviewed CT and HRCT findings in40 patients with
culture positive for atypical mycobacteria. Common findings
included bronchiestasis(80%), consolidation or ground-glass
opacity(73%), nodules(70%), and evidence of scarring and
vokume loss.

Moore EH, Atypical mycobacterial infection in the lung:CT
appearance. Radiology:1993;187;777-782.

‚rwensen reported that CT findings with bronchiestasis and
multiple small nodular lesions were diagnosed as atypical
mycobactiral infection more than 80 percent.

Swensen SJ, Computed tomography in diagnosis of Mycobacterium
avium-intracellulare complex in patients with bronchiectasis.
Chest 1994;105;49-52.

The treatment of the patient is hard to achieve because of
multiple drug resistance. Some paper repoted clarithromycin
(CAM) is effective to treat the disease. But his condition is
deterioration even using the drug,and fever is worsening.

Anyboy who has some comments please send the message below.
info@chijimatsu.com

*Short break
*next case report


referenceF
pathology of atypical mycobacterium
University of Iowa, radiology Vital Images-VoxcelView-
The University of Washington Radiology Webserver