Mycobacterium szulgai Infection after Carpal Tunnel Release Requiring Extensive Debridement and ALT Flap Reconstruction

Abstract

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) refer to all mycobacteria species not associated with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. NTM have been shown to cause superficial and deep tissue infections of the hand, the vast majority of which are attributed to Mycobacterium marinum. There have been only eight cases of Mycobacterium szulgai-associated infections of the hand described in the English literature, none requiring surgical reconstruction. We describe a severe case of M. szulgai-associated carpal tunnel infection reported in an immunocompetent patient requiring extensive soft tissue debridement and reconstruction. This case illustrates the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach with microbiology specialists when managing severe soft tissue infections of the hand.

Keywords

Mycobacterium - nontuberculous - ALT - reconstruction - infection

Publication History

Article published online:
28 April 2020

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