Pulmonary infection caused by Mycobacterium kansasii: findings on computed tomography of the chest

Abstract

ObjectiveTo describe the main tomography findings in patients diagnosed with pulmonary infection caused by Mycobacterium kansasii.Materials and MethodsRetrospective study of computed tomography scans of 19 patients with pulmonary infection by M. kansasii.ResultsOf the 19 patients evaluated, 10 (52.6%) were male and 9 (47.4%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 58 years (range, 33-76 years). Computed tomography findings were as follows: architectural distortion, in 17 patients (89.5%); reticular opacities and bronchiectasis, in 16 (84.2%); cavities, in 14 (73.7%); centrilobular nodules, in 13 (68.4%); small consolidations, in 10 (52.6%); atelectasis and large consolidations, in 9 (47.4%); subpleural blebs and emphysema, in 6 (31.6%); and adenopathy, in 1 (5.3%).ConclusionThere was a predominance of cavities, as well as of involvement of the small and large airways. The airway disease was characterized by bronchiectasis and bronchiolitis presenting as centrilobular nodules.

The importance of computed tomography of the chest in cases of suspected infection with nontuberculous mycobacteria (Mycobacterium kansasii)

“…In conclusion, Mogami et al ( 11 ) reported chest CT findings that could help radiologists suspect of M. kansasii infection and include this condition in the differential diagnosis.…”

“…In the study conducted by Mogami et al. ( 11 ) bronchiectasis occurred more often in the upper lobes, suggesting that radiologists should be aware of atypical manifestations of MTN infection.…”

“…In the excellent study published in this issue of Radiologia Brasileira , Mogami et al ( 11 ) discuss the main computed tomography (CT) findings in 19 patients with pulmonary infection by M. kansasii , all confirmed by the established criteria. On CT scans, NTM-related pulmonary infection may present in one of the three forms ( 12 ) : 1 - the classic presentation, similar to tuberculosis; 2 - bronchiectatic; and 3 - hypersensitivity pneumonitis.…”

“…Mogami et al ( 11 ) study is of great value, especially in Brazil that has high incidence of tuberculosis, and the differential diagnoses of NTM is relevant given that presumptive treatment with antituberculosis drugs is a common practice. Pulmonary CT manifestations of M. kansasii infection may be indistinguishable of M. tuberculosis , as demonstrated in this study.…”

Primary tracheobronchial amyloidosis

“…Chest CT has been shown to be the imaging exam of choice for the evaluation of thoracic diseases ( 6 - 9 ) , as well as for that of diseases of the tracheobronchial tree ( 10 - 12 ) . In individuals with amyloidosis, a CT scan can reveal smooth or irregular/nodular thickening of the tracheal wall and bronchi, which can be accompanied by calcified nodules in the submucosa ( 4 ) .…”