Nontuberculous mycobacteria in women, young and old

Abstract

Lady Windermere syndrome is a unique entity within the spectrum of pulmonary NTM diseases. There are differences in several clinical aspects between Lady Windermere syndrome and the classic pulmonary NTM disease, including manifestations, pathogenesis, and natural history. Recently, emerging pieces of information provide a more scientific explanation of why women are more susceptible to this form of infection and how they develop clinical disease. As the result, these patients probably require quite different diagnostic and therapeutic approaches compared with those with the classic presentation. Studies exclusive to LWS are lacking and are absolutely necessary as they will enhance our understanding of, and hence successful management strategies for, this increasingly recognized disease.