Atypical mycobacterial infection complicating mineral oil pneumonia
G. M. Hutchins and J. K. Boitnott
Two patients had pulmonary infections with atypical mycobacteria
superimposed on mineral oil pneumonia. In both cases, long-standing
laxative use and neurological disorders led to development of the lipid
pneumonia. The pathogenicity of the rapidly growing mycobacteria causing
infection in the two patients is apparently enhanced by the presence of
mineral oil, a relationship supported by experimental studies. The clinical
diagnosis of both atypical mycobacterial infection and mineral oil
pneumonia may be difficult, but the presence of one should suggest the
possibility of occurrence of the other.
