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A splenectomized patient with systemic lupus erythematosus, who had previously been treated with high doses of corticosteroids, presented with headaches and symptoms of a respiratory tract infection. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain revealed a ring-enhancing lesion, and Nocardia asteroides was isolated from a stereotactic biopsy specimen. After adverse reactions to a number of antibiotics, infection control was finally achieved by the new oxazolidinone drug, linezolid. Nocardiosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in all immunocompromised patients who develop an obscure infection; delay in diagnosis and subsequent initiation of appropriate treatment often results in a fatal outcome. Linezolid is a new option for the treatment of nocardiosis and is effective when given orally.

Original publication

DOI

10.1097/01.RHU.0000049715.31325.72

Type

Journal article

Journal

J clin rheumatol

Publication Date

02/2003

Volume

9

Pages

47 - 50