[A CASE OF NON-TUBERCULOUS MYCOBACTERIOSIS WITH PLEURAL EFFUSION AND THICKENING IN A PATIENT WITH AN OCCUPATIONAL HISTORY OF ASBESTOS EXPOSURE].

Abstract

We report a case of a 75-year-old man with pleural effusion and an occupational history of asbestos exposure. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) examination revealed FDG up-takes along his pleura, leading to an initial suspicion of pleural mesothelioma. Pathological findings of a diagnostic video-associated pleural biopsy showed epithelioid cell granuloma. Repeated sputum cultures were positive for Mycobacterium intracellulare. The patient was diagnosed with pleuritis caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). NTM should be considered a potential cause of pleuritis.