Possible relationship between esophageal dilatation and severity of M. abscessus pulmonary disease.

Abstract

ObjectivesRecently, incidence of Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) pulmonary disease (Mab-PD) is increasing worldwide. We aimed to identify factors associated with severity of Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) pulmonary disease (Mab-PD).MethodsAll patients diagnosed as Mab-PD based on the official ATS/IDSA statement between 2017 January 1 and 2021 July 31 were included (n = 13). We reviewed medical records, bacteriological and laboratory data of the patients. Severity of lung lesions and esophageal diameters in chest CT were quantitatively evaluated. Gaffky score in the sputum was used as airway mycobacterial burden. We explored the factors associated with high CT score and high Gaffky score.ResultsMaximum diameter of esophagus (MDE) in severe disease (CT score≧10) was greater than that in milder disease (CT scoreConclusionsEsophageal dilatation was correlated with severity of Mab-PD and airway mycobacterial burden. Gastroesophageal reflux might be associated with Mab disease progression.