Nocardiosis is an uncommon infection, however it needs to be included in the differential diagnosis, especially in immunocompromised hosts. Central nervous system (CNS) nocardiosis, in particular, is an even rarer entity with a higher mortality. This is a case of CNS Nocardia infection with an atypical presentation that was initially concerning for metastatic disease. In an immunocompromised patient with CNS findings, atypical infectious processes need to be considered. In a patient with concomitant pulmonary findings, an evaluation for Nocardia should be pursued as the lungs are the primary route of entry for this organism. Treatment typically involves a sulfonamide with secondary antibiotic agent, however a combination using meropenem has proved effective here.
Bronchial artery pseudoaneurysms are an extremely rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The presence of a bronchial artery pseudoaneurysm resulting in an esophageal fistula is an entity that, to our knowledge, has yet to be described. Successful management requires an interdisciplinary approach to guide closure of the defects. We present a novel case of an esophageal fistula and bronchial artery pseudoaneurysm resulting from an endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration successfully managed by endoscopic therapy and coil embolization.
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