Nocardiosis revealed by thyroid abscess in a liver--kidney transplant recipient.

Abstract

Nocardiosis is a life-threatening infection, particularly among immunocompromised patients, which usually affects lungs, skin and central nervous system. We report a case of disseminated nocardiosis revealed by suppurative thyroiditis in a liver-kidney transplant recipient with poor nutritional status at the time of infection. Nocardia Asteroides was isolated from fine-needle aspiration material of the thyroid abscess. Clinical manifestations resolved after surgical drainage of the thyroid abscess, prolonged antibiotherapy and diminution of immunosuppressive regimen. Clinicians should be aware of this entity, as Nocardia Asteroides may need more than 5 days of culture to be isolated.

• Authors: A Vandĵme, G P Pageaux, M Bismuth, J M Fabre, J Domergue, C Perez, M Makeieff, G Mourad, D Larrey
• Journal: Transplant international : official journal of the European Society for Organ Transplantation (Transpl Int) Vol. 14 Issue 3 Pg. 202-4 (Jun 2001) ISSN: 0934-0874 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 11499912 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Immunosuppressive Agents

Topics

• Abscess (microbiology, surgery)
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Kidney Transplantation (adverse effects)
• Liver Transplantation (adverse effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nocardia Infections (chemically induced, complications, drug therapy, etiology)
• Nocardia asteroides
• Thyroid Diseases (microbiology, surgery)