Septic Mycobacterium Avium Intracellulare Extensor Tenosynovitis of the Wrist

Mycobacterium avium intracellulare (MAI) infections of the hand, wrist, and upper extremity are rare, but potentially devastating atypical mycobacterial infections that can affect tendon, bone, and other soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system. We present an immunocompromised patient presenting with acute swelling and pain in the dorsum of the hand and wrist that underwent a wrist extensor tenosynovectomy with intraoperative cultures revealing infection with MAI. The patient developed severe progression of the infection with osteomyelitis of the distal forearm and carpal bones, multiple subsequent extensor tendon ruptures, and dorsal skin necrosis. The infection was eradicated with a combination of surgical treatment and antibiotic therapy. The case is discussed in context of the prior scant literature of infectious tenosynovitis of the hand, wrist, and upper extremity caused by MAI. This case report and literature review outline recommendations for diagnosis and effective treatment of MAI.