Mycobacterium chelonae infections involving the head and neck.
OBJECTIVE
We describe the manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of rare head and neck infections caused by Mycobacterium chelonae, including a case of maxillary osteitis and skull base osteomyelitis.


METHODS
A comprehensive literature search (MEDLINE from 1951; BIOSIS from 1969; EMBASE from 1980) was performed for the presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and outcomes of patients with M chelonae infections.


RESULTS
We report 4 cases of M chelonae infection, including a nasal abscess following septorhinoplasty with a cartilaginous graft, a case of chronic unilateral nasal obstruction, and the first reported cases of skull base osteomyelitis and maxillary osteitis secondary to M chelonae. All 4 cases involved immunocompetent individuals.


CONCLUSIONS
Mycobacterium chelonae should be considered in cases of abscesses that persist despite broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, and in cases of maxillary sinusitis with bony involvement that do not respond to traditional treatment methods.
Mullin
David
D
Department of Otolaryngology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California 92134-2200, USA.
Jothi
Sumana
S
Healy
David
D
D000038:Abscess / Q000382:microbiology; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017291:Clarithromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003646:Debridement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008443:Maxillary Sinus; D008875:Middle Aged; D009165:Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D016926:Mycobacterium chelonae; D010000:Osteitis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000382:microbiology*; D010254:Paranasal Sinus Diseases / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D019291:Skull Base / Q000382:microbiology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D017291:Clarithromycin