Pulmonary nocardiosis in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, computed tomographic findings: a case report

The authors describe a case of pulmonary nocardiosis in a 37-year-old man with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in treatment with antiretroviral drugs. Clinical symptoms were productive cough, hemoptysis and progressive weight loss. A chest x-ray showed a right upper lobe consolidation while the computed tomography demonstrated consolidation with air bronchogram and airspace nodules. The radiologic findings were unspecific. Consequently, a bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage was performed, revealing filamentous Gram-positive bacteria (Nocardia species). Treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resulted in complete remission of the respiratory symptoms.