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Portal Hypertension and Granulomatous Liver Disease in a Lung Transplant Recipient due to Disseminated Atypical Mycobacterial Infection
Author(s) -
Todd J. L.,
Lakey J.,
Howell D.,
Reidy M.,
Zaas D.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
american journal of transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.89
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1600-6143
pISSN - 1600-6135
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2007.01748.x
Subject(s) - medicine , lung , portal hypertension , lung transplantation , liver transplantation , tuberculosis , disease , liver disease , immunology , transplantation , pathology , cirrhosis
The incidence of atypical mycobacterial infection among solid organ transplant recipients is increasing. While lung transplant recipients in particular are at greater risk of atypical mycobacterial infection than other solid organ transplant recipients, it is typically confined to the lung and disseminated infection remains quite rare. We describe a case of disseminated Mycobacterium avium‐complex (MAC) in a lung transplant recipient presenting as granulomatous liver disease with signs of portal hypertension. After identification of the infection and institution of proper therapy, the patient had significant improvement in both clinical signs of portal hypertension and liver function tests. Current literature suggests a favorable prognosis in most cases of MAC infection in lung transplant recipients with appropriate treatment. This case highlights the need to maintain an elevated index of suspicion for atypical pathogens with unusual clinical presentations among the lung transplant population.