Tuberc Respir Dis.  2013 Feb;74(2):79-81.

A Fatal Case of Acute Respiratory Failure Caused by Mycobacterium massiliense

• Choi KH
• Yu HM
• Jeong JS
• Kim SR
• Lee YC

Abstract

Few recent reports have indicated that Mycobacterium massiliense causes various infections including respiratory infection. However, there is scarce information on the clinical significance, natural history of the infection, and therapeutic strategy. This report describes a case of an immunocompetent old man infected by M. massiliense that causes acute respiratory failure. In light of the general courses of non-tuberculous mycobacterium infections, rapid progression and fatality are very rare and odd. In addition, we discuss the biological and pathological properties of M. massiliense with the review of cases reported previously including our fatal one.

Keyword

Mycobacterium; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous; Respiratory Insufficiency

MeSH Terms

Light
Mycobacterium
Mycobacterium Infections
Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous
Natural History
Respiratory Insufficiency

Figure

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  Figure 1 (A) Chest X-ray showed increased opacities in the right lower lobe. (B, C) Contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of chest demonstrated consolidation within air-bronchogram in the right lower lobe.

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  Figure 2 Chest X-ray during medical treatment in the intensive care unit showed diffuse bilateral infiltration.

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