Nocardiosis after corticosteroid therapy for malignant thymoma.
BACKGROUND
Nocardia asteroides is an opportunistic infection caused by an aerobic actinomycete, which, in the immunocompromised host, can be associated with severe invasive disease with a predilection for the brain.


RESULTS
The authors describe a 62-year-old man with a malignant thymoma that was clinically responsive to oral prednisone. N. asteroides sepsis subsequently developed, leading to his death.


CONCLUSIONS
Nocardiosis should be considered a potential pathogen in this immunocompromised setting.
Borges
A A
AA
Department of Veterans Affairs, Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
Krasnow
S H
SH
Wadleigh
R G
RG
Cohen
M H
MH
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000009:adverse effects; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009617:Nocardia Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D009616:Nocardia asteroides; D011241:Prednisone / Q000009:adverse effects; D013945:Thymoma / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013953:Thymus Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D011241:Prednisone; D006854:Hydrocortisone