Chronic Epididymitis Secondary to <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> Complex After Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Therapy for Bladder Cancer
Sabrina Y. Almashni, Debasish Sundi, David Wininger
Annals of Internal Medicine Clinical Cases · 2025-09
Abstract
Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin immunotherapy for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer reduces recurrence and progression. However, it carries a risk for dissemination and underrecognized complications, such as tuberculous epididymitis. A 68-year-old man with a history of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer developed scrotal pain and swelling after completing Bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy. Initial work-up, including urinalysis and culture, were negative, but acid-fast bacilli culture confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection. The patient was effectively treated with isoniazid, rifabutin, and ethambutol without requiring surgical intervention. Scrotal symptoms following therapy suggest Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-related complications. Treatment regimens are tailored to account for inherent resistance of Mycobacterium bovis to pyrazinamide.
MeSH terms
- Bladder cancer
- Medicine
- Ethambutol
- Bacillus (shape)
- Mycobacterium bovis
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Tuberculosis
- BCG vaccine
- Internal medicine
- Immunotherapy
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex
- Cystoscopy
- Urology
- Cancer
- Surgery
- Urinary bladder
- Urinalysis
- Bacilli
- Mycobacterium
- Microbiology