Ewha Med J.  2024 Apr;47(2):e29. 10.12771/emj.2024.e29.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in a sporotricoid distribution in Korea: a case report

• Lee JJ
• Choi YJ
• Byun JY
• Choi YW
• Roh JY
• Choi HY

• KMID: 2556318
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12771/emj.2024.e29

Abstract

Nontuberculous mycobacterial infections, which are often acquired from environmental sources such as water and soil, exhibit a variety of cutaneous manifestations that frequently lead to misdiagnoses and delays in treatment. A 77-year-old woman presented with multiple skin lesions in a sporotricoid distribution on her right leg, which persisted despite standard antibiotic treatments. Based on the skin biopsy, revealing granulomatous inflammation with acid-fast bacilli, and PCR testing, a nontuberculous mycobacterial infection was diagnosed. Antimycobacterial drug combinations, including clarithromycin, isoniazid, and rifampicin for 4 months, complete the skin lesion's clearance. This case underscores the need for heightened suspicion and the use of appropriate diagnostic techniques, including tissue biopsies and molecular methods such as PCR.

Keyword

Anti-bacterial agents; Biopsy; Nontuberculous mycobacteria; Polymerase chain reaction; Republic of Korea