Atypical mycobacterial infection complicating mineral oil pneumonia

JAMA. 1978 Aug 11;240(6):539-41.

Abstract

Two patients had pulmonary infections with atypical mycobacteria superimposed on mineral oil pneumonia. In both cases, long-standing laxative use and neurological disorders led to development of the lipid pneumonia. The pathogenicity of the rapidly growing mycobacteria causing infection in the two patients is apparently enhanced by the presence of mineral oil, a relationship supported by experimental studies. The clinical diagnosis of both atypical mycobacterial infection and mineral oil pneumonia may be difficult, but the presence of one should suggest the possibility of occurrence of the other.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Constipation / drug therapy
  • Deglutition Disorders / complications
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mineral Oil / adverse effects*
  • Mineral Oil / therapeutic use
  • Mycobacterium Infections / complications*
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / complications*
  • Nontuberculous Mycobacteria / drug effects
  • Nontuberculous Mycobacteria / pathogenicity
  • Pneumonia, Lipid / complications*
  • Pneumonia, Lipid / etiology

Substances

  • Mineral Oil