Organizing pneumonia associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Abstract

Organizing pneumonia is an inflammatory lung disease involving the distal bronchioles, respiratory bronchioles, bronchiolar ducts, and alveoli. A number of viral and bacterial organisms have been identified as causative agents of organizing pneumonia. However, Mycobacterium tuberculosis has rarely been reported as a causative agent. Herein, we report our experience with two patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis, whose biopsies showed patterns associated with organizing pneumonia. Both patients showed positive results for bacteriological tests and presence of acid fast bacilli. Hence, we could successfully treat both patients with anti-tuberculosis medications. Our report suggests that M. tuberculosis infection could be added to the list of infectious conditions associated with organizing pneumonia.