Nocardiosis after corticosteroid therapy for malignant thymoma.

Abstract

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.

METHODS AND 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.

• Authors: A A Borges, S H Krasnow, R G Wadleigh, M H Cohen
• Journal: Cancer (Cancer) Vol. 71 Issue 5 Pg. 1746-50 (Mar 01 1993) ISSN: 0008-543X [Print] United States
• PMID: 8448739 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Prednisone
• Hydrocortisone

Topics

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (adverse effects)
• Bacteremia (etiology)
• Humans
• Hydrocortisone (adverse effects)
• Immunocompromised Host
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nocardia Infections (etiology)
• Nocardia asteroides
• Prednisone (adverse effects)
• Thymoma (complications, drug therapy)
• Thymus Neoplasms (complications, drug therapy)