Presentation of Mycobacterium Abscessus Infection Following a Sarcoidosis Diagnosis: A Case Report

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic, multiorgan, inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of noncaseating granulomas. Although mycobacterial infection has long been a candidate as a causative agent in sarcoidosis, only recently has strong evidence supported a causal connection. Mycobacterium abscessus is a rapidly growing mycobacterium (RGM), found worldwide in the environment. It is increasingly being recognized as a cause of human disease, including pulmonary infections. Clinical features of progressive RGM lung disease include bilateral lung involvement and fibrocavitary disease. Here, we describe a case of Mycobacterium abscessus infection detected two years after sarcoidosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63 year old Chinese female, who worked as a farmer, presented with episodes of hemoptysis for 33 years, which was treated empirically with azithromycin on multiple occasions, resulting in good response according to the patient.