Lung abscess caused by Rhodococcus equi.
In the immunocompromised patient, early diagnosis of a lung cavity is essential for appropriate treatment. Rhodococcus equi (formerly Corynebacterium equi) is a variably acid-fast bacterium that can produce cavitary disease in an immunocompromised host. The two cases presented here demonstrate the clinical and radiographic features of R equi lung abscess. The first patient was on long-term corticosteroid therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. The second patient had AIDS. The correct diagnosis in both cases was delayed because acid-fast bacilli seen on smears of sputum were presumed to be Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Takasugi
J E
JE
Department of Radiology, Seattle Veterans Administration Medical Center, WA 98108.
Godwin
J D
JD
D000193:Actinomycetales Infections; D000328:Adult; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008169:Lung Abscess; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000150:complications; D012240:Rhodococcus