Adenocarcinoma of the lung with concurrent Mycobacterium avium complex infection

Abstract

Nontuberculous mycobacterial infection, particularly Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), which is also known as Lady Windermere syndrome usually presents with chronic cough, typically seen in elderly caucasian women who chronically suppress the normal cough reflex. Computerized tomography of the chest in patients with MAC infection can present as a tree in bud nodules, pulmonary nodules, cavity, or consolidation. However, other coexisting diseases such as lung cancer should be kept in mind while investigating these radiographic changes in patients with suspected MAC infection, more so if they have underlying risk factors for malignancy. We present a patient with suspected MAC infection who had co-existing lung adenocarcinoma.

Keywords

• adenocarcinoma
• cavitary lung disease
• lung cancer
• mycobacterium avium intracellulare infection