Recognizing Non-vertebral Manifestation of Mycobacterium avium Complex Osteomyelitis in a Patient With HIV

Abstract

Disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection is predominantly seen in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV infection and CD4 counts <50 cells/mm3. It commonly manifests with nonspecific signs and symptoms, such as weight loss, fevers, night sweats, diarrhea, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and cytopenias. This is a case of disseminated MAC osteomyelitis in an HIV patient. The lack of constitutional symptoms, in this case, presented a diagnostic challenge. In addition, nonvertebral osteomyelitis is an uncommon manifestation, making this case of disseminated MAC osteomyelitis a unique presentation.