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

Transpl Int. 2001 Jun;14(3):202-4. doi: 10.1007/s001470100308.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

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

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents