A rare combination of sites of involvement by Mycobacterium intracellulare in a hemodialysis patient: multifocal synovitis, spondylitis, and multiple skin lesions.

PURPOSE: Atypical mycobacterial infection is a rare but serious hazard in immunocompromised patients including those undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and immunosuppressive therapy. Recognition of unusual involvement patterns is important.

METHODS

We describe an extremely rare combination of complications caused by such an organism in a patient with end-stage renal disease: spinal osteolysis and multiple skin lesions associated with synovitis.

RESULTS

The patient had received a renal allograft 18 years previously but developed infection with Mycobacterium avium-M. intracellulare complex including dermatologic manifestations, spondylitis, and synovitis involving the wrist and lateral malleolus after initiation of hemodialysis when the transplanted kidney failed. An empirical antibiotic regimen failed to alleviate skin lesions or fevers, or to lower an elevated C-reactive protein concentration, until the patient's dose of methylprednisolone was increased to treat mild adrenal insufficiency. The increase resulted in rapid resolution of skin lesions. A compression fracture 6 months later was attributed to spondylitis caused by the same organism.

CONCLUSIONS

We suspect that spondylitis represented the primary focus of M. intracellulare infection.