TB Research

A Case of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease Complicating Massive Pulmonary Embolism

Y. Hayashi, Akihiko Sokai, Toshiyuki Iwata, Yuki Sakai, Naoaki Yasuda, Takashi Nishimura

Respirology Case Reports · 2025-07

Abstract

ABSTRACT A 39‐year‐old man presented with fever and dyspnoea for 1 week. Imaging suggested bacterial pneumonia with infiltrates in the right lung. However, the symptoms persisted despite antibiotics. Bronchoscopy revealed coagulation necrosis, and enhanced computed tomography identified a large thrombus in the right pulmonary artery, leading to a diagnosis of pulmonary infarction. The patient was treated with direct oral anticoagulants. Two years later, new nodular lesions with cavities were observed in the upper lobe of the right lung. Bronchoscopy revealed a Mycobacterium avium infection. We hypothesise that nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary disease may complicate chronic pulmonary embolism.

MeSH terms

  • Medicine
  • Pulmonary Infarction
  • Nontuberculous mycobacteria
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Thrombus
  • Lung
  • Pneumonia
  • Radiology
  • Pathology