Cervical lymphadenitis from Mycobacterium avium complex.

Jared Coe, Yoram Puius, Harsh Jain, Eric A Meyerowitz

BMJ case reports 2024 Mar 15

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We present an instructive case of cervical lymphadenitis in a young man without a history of HIV infection. The patient developed spontaneous left-sided neck swelling that progressed over 4 months. CT imaging demonstrated a necrotic left-sided neck mass within the cervical lymph node chain. He was initially prescribed azithromycin and rifampin for presumed cat scratch disease with improvement but incomplete resolution of symptoms. Blood cultures ordered 2 months later grew Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and the patient had an excellent clinical response to MAC therapy. Here, we review the case, including presentation and management, and describe the implications for the immune status of the host and long-term considerations for treatment. © BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.