Retroperitoneal abscess caused by Mycobacterium chelonae and treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of retroperitoneal abscess caused by Mycobacterium chelonae and treatment.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

Private community teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

A patient was admitted to the hospital following a gunshot to the flank. The bullet passed through the iliac crest and lodged in the abdomen.

INTERVENTION

The patient was treated with cefazolin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and amikacin at different times.

OUTCOME

The patient responded well to pharmacologic treatment and at 18-month follow-up, he is disease free.

CONCLUSIONS

Antimicrobial agents with in vitro activity against M. chelonae, especially amikacin-containing regimens, are recommended for treating M. chelonae infection.