Non-tuberculous mycobacterial cochlear implant infection: An emerging pathogen.
OBJECTIVE
To report one of the first cases of a cochlear implant infected by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), an emerging otologic pathogen.


METHODS
We report the case of a 78-year-old woman who underwent uncomplicated cochlear implantation though subsequently developed wound dehiscence and device exposure. Tissue culture grew non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection with Mycobacterium abscessus.


METHODS
The device was explanted, the surgical bed debrided, and the patient was successfully treated with a prolonged course of oral and parenteral antibiotics. She elected not to undergo re-implantation.


CONCLUSIONS
Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections are being increasingly encountered and reported within the temporal bone. Although this is the first reported case of cochlear implant contamination with NTM, surgeons should be aware of this entity so that an appropriate treatment plan can be initiated.
Fahad
F
Lodhi
Daniel H
DH
Coelho
D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006312:Hearing Loss, Bilateral / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009165:Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D009170:Nontuberculous Mycobacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000382:microbiology*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
Cochlear implant; Complication; Emerging pathogens; Infection; Mycobacterium abscessus; Non-tuberculous mycobacteria