ABSTRACT
While the incidence and prevalence of non-tuberculous mycobacterial-pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) are increasing and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is common in East Asian countries, case reports of MPA associated with NTM-PD are limited. A 72-year-old male receiving treatment for NTM-PD with antibiotics was referred to our hospital with fever and arthralgia that developed a few months previously. A blood test revealed the presence of the myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) and renal impairment. Based on a pathological examination of renal tissue, which showed crescentic glomerulonephritis, the patient was diagnosed with MPA. Due to acute kidney injury and strongly positive MPO-ANCA, pulse steroid therapy was initiated followed by intravenous rituximab (RTX). The patient also received plasmapheresis (14 sessions). Renal dysfunction was reversed. MPA associated with NTM-PD is extremely rare and, thus, there is currently no established treatment. Our patient was diagnosed with MPA based on the findings of renal biopsy while receiving treatment for NTM-PD. RTX and plasmapheresis combined with systemic glucocorticoid therapy were initiated before these clinical conditions had fully recovered. Although MPA secondary to NTM-PD may be more refractory to treatment than primary MPA in the presence of a very low interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) level, this case was successfully treated with steroids, RTX, and plasmapheresis.
ABSTRACT
Vibrio cincinnatiensis is a halophilic species found in marine and estuarine environments worldwide. It is a rare pathogen whose impact on humans has remained unclear; only two cases of V. cincinnatiensis infection have been reported in humans, so far. A 63-year-old man with a history of myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes mellitus presented to the emergency department with fever and dyspnea. Physical examination demonstrated notable abdominal distension and bilateral lower leg edema. marked abdominal distension and bilateral lower leg edema. The patient was diagnosed with bacteremia and exacerbated heart failure. Blood and skin cultures revealed the presence of the gram-negative pathogen V. cincinnatiensis. Combined antibiotic therapy using intravenous tazobactam /piperacillin resulted in a gradual recovery with no recurrence observed at the 9-month follow-up. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third case of V. cincinnatiensis infection reported in humans and the first one to be associated with skin and soft tissue infection. We suggest that although V. cincinnatiensis is a rare pathogen, it should be considered as a potential infective agent in the differential diagnosis of immunocompromised patients, regardless of any recent exposure to seawater or marine products.
