[Mycobacterium marinum tenosynovitis of the abductors].

INTRODUCTION

Infection with Mycobacterium marinum is rare and usually produces cutaneous lesions. We report here two cases of tenosynovitis of abductor muscles.

CASE: The first case presented isolated involvement of the abductors of the left thumb, and the second the abductors of the middle finger. In both cases, the bacteriological examinations found M. marinum. Antibiotic therapy for three months with rifampin and clarithromycin cured the infection.

DISCUSSION: These cases of tenosynovitis followed deep inoculation. A mycobacterial infection should be considered in cases of synovitis, especially when limited to an area of the hand in patients without other rheumatic disorders.