Pulmonary mycobacteriosis in a patient affected by mycosis fungoides: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

J Infect. 2006 Oct;53(4):e181-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2005.12.019. Epub 2006 Feb 3.

Abstract

Among patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), sepsis and pulmonary infections are the first cause of death. We report on a patient with CTCL who, after more than 10 years of aggressive antineoplastic treatments, showed extensive pulmonary infiltrations on staging CT scan. Repeated CT scans were inconclusive for an infectious process, and the patient was still asymptomatic. The diagnosis of mycobacteriosis was made on the microbiologic exam of bronchoalveolar lavage. Specific treatment was started with contemporary dosage reduction of chemotherapy. After six months of antibiotic treatment the pulmonary lesions improved, whereas CTCL progressed. Therefore, a new antineoplastic regimen was started obtaining control of CTCL, without aggravation of the pulmonary lesions. We highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic pitfalls encountered when pulmonary mycobacteriosis complicates the course and treatment of CTCL.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Lung Diseases / microbiology*
  • Male
  • Mycobacterium / classification
  • Mycobacterium / drug effects
  • Mycobacterium / isolation & purification
  • Mycobacterium Infections / diagnosis
  • Mycobacterium Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Mycobacterium Infections / drug therapy*
  • Mycobacterium Infections / microbiology*
  • Mycosis Fungoides / complications*
  • Skin Neoplasms / complications*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents