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Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare pleuritis with massive pleural effusion
Y Okada1, Y Ichinose, K Yamaguchi
1Dept of Physiology II, School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan.
The European Respiratory Journal
|August 1, 1995
Summary
A rare case of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare pleuritis occurred in an immunocompetent male. Treatment resolved the pleural effusion but caused lasting pleural thickening and adhesion.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Atypical mycobacterial infections rarely involve the pleura.
- Pleural effusion is an uncommon manifestation of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old immunocompetent Japanese male presented with insidious fever, chest pain, and anorexia.
- A massive pleural effusion was diagnosed.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare pleuritis.
- Empirical antimycobacterial treatment led to gradual resolution of the pleural effusion.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare presentation of atypical mycobacterial infection.
- Successful treatment of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare pleuritis is possible even in immunocompetent individuals.
- Significant pleural adhesion and thickening can be a sequela of treated pleuritis.