CT findings in 14 patients with Mycobacterium chelonae pulmonary infection.

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to describe helical and high-resolution CT findings in 14 patients with pulmonary infection caused by Mycobacterium chelonae, a nontuberculous mycobacterial species that has become increasingly recognized as a rare but significant cause of chronic lung infection in immunocompetent patients. Bronchiectasis, nodules, and consolidation are the most common CT features of M. chelonae pulmonary infection. Cavities are less common. These CT findings resemble those reported for Mycobacterium avium complex. In this study, M. chelonae pulmonary infection occurred exclusively in middle-aged and older women.