Abstract
Extrapulmonary disease occurs in a minority of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM)
infections. The pattern of disease tends to be multifocal in immunocompromised individuals
and localized in the immunocompetent. There is increasing recognition of disseminated
Mycobacterium chimaera infection, as a complication of cardiac surgery, and focal infections due to rapidly
growing mycobacteria. Microbiologic diagnosis requires detection of NTM in blood or
tissue samples by microscopy, culture, or molecular methods. Management of extrapulmonary
NTM infection requires prolonged, targeted multiple-drug therapy and, in some cases,
aggressive surgical intervention. The optimal treatment approach is often unknown.
Despite combined medical and surgical therapy, outcomes may be poor. A high degree
of clinical suspicion and early diagnosis are required to maximize chances of a positive
outcome.
Keywords
nontuberculous mycobacteria - extrapulmonary - treatment - rapidly growing -
Mycobacterium avium complex -
Mycobacterium marinum
-
Mycobacterium ulcerans
- disseminated
