title: Mycobacterium avium complex empyema in a patient with interferon gamma autoantibodies.
abstract: Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) autoantibodies are a relatively recently discovered clinical entity, which have been shown to be associated with disseminated non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections and other opportunistic infections. Interestingly, isolated NTM infections (without disseminated NTM infection) have not been shown to be a good predictor of the presence of IFN-γ autoantibodies. This case describes an isolated NTM empyema in a patient with IFN-γ autoantibodies and makes the argument that the development of an NTM empyema in a patient with no known immunodeficiency should prompt consideration for IFN-γ testing. Additionally, this case underscores the importance for clinicians to recognize that an unusual infection without the typical cause of impairment in immunity should prompt a more thorough investigation of the patient's immune system.
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Residency Program, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI (TTD).
authors.forename: Thomas T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: DeLeon
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Residency Program, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI (TTD).
authors.forename: Heath H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Residency Program, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI (TTD).
authors.forename: Steven M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Opal
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Residency Program, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI (TTD).
authors.forename: Jonathan D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Dworkin
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology*; D004653:Empyema / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D015270:Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D007371:Interferon-gamma