An autopsy case of Mycobacterium abscessus pulmonary infection complicated with rheumatoid arthritis.

We present the case of a 70-year-old man diagnosed with Mycobacterium abscessus pulmonary infection complicated with rheumatoid arthritis who was treated with corticosteroids. He died despite treatment according to the recommended regimen of imipenem, clarithromycin, and amikacin. Autopsy revealed granulomatous lesions throughout the bilateral lungs. We conclude that M. abscessus infection may have a fatal outcome because of the drug resistance of the pathogen. This case suggests that rheumatoid arthritis might be a risk factor for M. abscessus pulmonary infection, but further studies are necessary for clarification.