Early onset of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease contributes to the lethal outcome in lung transplant recipients: report of two cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Lung transplant (LuTx) recipients represent a population at risk of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). Yet the risk factors, the timing of NTM-PD after transplantation, and the association with allograft dysfunction all remain poorly defined. We report 2 cases of early-onset NTM-PD and review the literature, focusing on NTM-PD in LuTx recipients not colonized with NTM prior to transplantation. In addition, we summarize the main characteristics and differences between early- and late-onset disease.

Keywords: lethal outcome; lung transplantation; nontuberculous mycobacteria; nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease.