Disseminated cutaneousMycobacterium kansasiiinfection in an patient infected with the human immunodeficiency virus

Abstract

Conflict of interest: none declared. People infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at a greater risk of mycobacterial infection and more than half of HIV‐infected patients in developing countries are co‐infected with mycobacteria. Therefore, mycobacterial infection is an important life‐threatening complication in patients with HIV. In addition, immunocompromised hosts with both tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacterial infections often show atypical clinical features, which can make it difficult for clinicians to make a precise diagnosis. We report a case of Mycobacterium kansasii infection in an patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who developed extensive, cutaneous nodules and ulcers without any sign of pulmonary involvement. A 34‐year‐old woman was referred to our dermatology clinic with an 8‐month history of high fever and disseminated subcutaneous nodules and skin ulcerations. On physical examination, subcutaneous nodules, up to 60 mm in size, scattered over her face (Fig. 1a) and limbs. On the lower left thigh, ankle and forearm, cutaneous ulcers, 20–40 mm in size were seen (Fig. 1b,c).