Comparison Of High-resolution CT Between MAC And M.abscessus Pulmonary Disease

Objective:We aimed to compare the HRCT findings of nontubercu lous mycobacterial pulmonary diseases caused by Mycobacterium aviumintracellulare complex(MAC)and Mycobacterium abscessus(M.abscessus).Methods:Two chest radiologists analyzed retrospectively the High-resolution CT findings of 24 patients with MAC and 8 with M.abscess-us infection in terms of patterns and forms of lung lesions.Results:No significant differences was found between MAC and M.abscessus infection in the presence of tree-in-bud pattern,small nodules,airspace consolidation,lobar volume decrease,bronchiectasis,pleural thickening and pleural effusion.However,in MAC infection thin-walled cavity(P=0.041)were more frequently observed.The superior lobe of right lung cavitary form was more frequent in MAC(15 of 24 patients,62.5%)group than M.abscessus(1 of 8,12.5%)(P=0.037).AND multiple cavities were more seen in the MAC(15 of 24 patients,62.5%)groug.No miliary tuberculosis shows in both MAC group and M.abscessus group.Conclusions:In a word,there is considerable overlap in common CT findings of MAC and M.abscessus pulmonary infection;however,thin-walled cavity and pulmonary emphysema are more frequently seen in MAC than M.abscessus infection.