Anorexia nervosa complicated by Mycobacterium xenopi pulmonary infection

Abstract

Pulmonary infection with a rare atypical mycobacterium, Mycobacterium xenopi, was discovered during the treatment of anorexia nervosa in a 21-year-old woman without preexisting pulmonary disease. Psychiatric treatment resulted in restoration of premorbid weight in the presence of active pulmonary disease and treatment with isoniazid and rifampin. Ethambutol was added for the final 12 months of the 18-month treatment course. Thirty-two-month follow-up indicated continued remission of both illnesses. Concurrence of M. xenopi infection and anorexia nervosa has not been previously reported.