E4916. Knowing Nocardia: Imaging of Common and Uncommon Presentations With Infectious Disease Correlation
Authors
James Birkholz;
Penn State University Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
David Ingram;
Penn State University Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Chen Song;
Penn State University Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Janelle Welkie;
Penn State University Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Benjamin Crawford;
Penn State University Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Avery Scripture;
Penn State University Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Background
Challenging to diagnose and sometimes confused with malignant disease, nocardiosis is a rare infectious process that typically affects immunocompromised patients. Common sites of involvement include the lungs, CNS, and skin. Lesser-known sites of disease include the adrenal glands, musculature, and osseous structures. Although clinical suspicion of infection is necessary, radiologist, and nonradiologists should have a basic understanding of the clinical and imaging profiles of common and uncommon nocardia infection to avoid delays in diagnosis or treatment.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
We seek to enhance awareness regarding the imaging appearances of common and uncommon nocardiosis through a case series with infectious disease correlation. Examples of proven classic and uncommon Nocardia infection are presented to facilitate a broader understanding of the spectrum of disease. The goal is to enable a baseline fund of knowledge with respect to cross-sectional and clinical presentation of nocardiosis.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
Nocardia cases involving the lungs, CNS, musculature, adrenal glands, and bones are presented with relevant history, cross-sectional imaging, and infectious disease profiles.
Conclusion
Upon completion of this educational activity, readers will have a better understanding of the clinical and imaging profiles of common and uncommon Nocardia infection.
