Mycobacterium kansasii pulmonary infection: CT findings in 29 cases.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to assess computed tomography (CT) features of Mycobacterium kansasii pulmonary infection (M. kansasii infection).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 29 cases confirmed to have M. kansasii infections were analyzed. The main locations of pulmonary changes, incidence, and various imaging features of the cavity (location, maximum diameter, wall thickness, satellite nodules, intracavitary fluid), and other imaging findings such as nodules, consolidation, and bronchiectasis, were visually assessed on CT images.

RESULTS

Locations of the main abnormalities were as follows: right S2 41%; right S1 31%; left S1+S2 2: 21%. A total of 49 cavities were observed in 24 (83%) cases. The mean maximum diameter, wall thickness, and ratio of wall thickness to the maximum diameter were 33.0 mm, 4.7 mm, and 0.19, respectively. Shapes of the cavities were round in nine (18.4%), oval in 17 (34.7%), and tubular/meandering in 23 (47%). Satellite nodules were found in only 30.6% of patients (n = 15). Small nodules were found in 26 (89.7%) patients, and most of them showed a centrilobular distribution.

CONCLUSION

The characteristic CT findings suggestive of M. kansasii infection include cavities located in the right posterior or apical segment with a tubular/meandering shape and a thin wall.