Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections of the hand

Significance of early diagnosis and surgical management in treating Mycobacterium immunogenum-related pyogenic extensor tenosynovitis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental organisms that are increasingly contributing to human infections. Mycobacterium immunogenum, a variant of NTM discovered in 2001, is a rapidly growing mycobacterium that exhibits multidrug resistance. Reports of infections caused by this organism, particularly tenosynovitis in the musculoskeletal system, are limited.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 71-year-old female with vesicular pemphigus, undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, presented with a progressively enlarging tumour on the dorsum of her right hand, along with erythematous papules that extended across her right forearm. The specimens of skin tissues and blood cultures revealed the presence of M. immunogenum. Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation led to the diagnosis of pyogenic extensor tenosynovitis. A multidrug regimen, comprising amikacin and clarithromycin, was initiated, followed by synovectomy. The patient underwent a course of 180 days of antimicrobial therapy and demonstrated no signs of disease recurrence one year after treatment completion.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial to prevent the adverse prognostic implications of pyogenic extensor tenosynovitis caused by M. immunogenum. Effective management requires precise microbial identification and susceptibility testing, necessitating collaborative engagement with microbiological laboratories.

Two Decades of Insights into Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Hand Infections

Background

The objective of our study is to describe the clinical presentation, management, and outcome of a large cohort with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) hand infection.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of all adults (≥18 years) managed at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) for NTM hand infection between 1998 and 2018.

Results

Our cohort included 81 patients. The median age was 61.3 (interquartile range 51.7, 69.6) years; 39.5% were immunocompromised, and 67.9% reported a triggering exposure preceding infection. Infection was deep in 64.2% and disseminated in 3.7%. Up to 16.0% received intralesional steroids because of misdiagnosis with an inflammatory process. Immunocompromised patients had deeper infection, and fewer reports of a triggering exposure. Mycobacterium marinum, Mycobacterium avium complex, and Mycobacterium chelonae/abscessus complex were the most common species. The median antibiotic duration was 6.1 (interquartile range 4.6, 9.9) months. Deep infection and infection with species other than M marinum were associated with using a greater number of antibiotics for combination therapy and an extended duration of treatment. Immunosuppression was also associated with longer courses of antibiotic therapy. Surgery was performed in 86.5% and 32.4% required multiple procedures. Ten patients, mostly with superficial infections, were treated with antibiotics alone. The 5-year cumulative rate of treatment failure was 30.3% (95% confidence interval, 20.9-44.0). Immunosuppression and intralesional steroid use were risk factors for failure.

Conclusions

Treatment of NTM hand infection usually requires surgery and antibiotics, but antibiotics alone may occasionally be attempted in select cases. Immunosuppression and intralesional steroids are risk factors for treatment failure.

Bioarchaeological investigation of individuals with suspected multibacillary leprosy from the mediaeval leprosarium of St Mary Magdalen, Winchester, Hampshire, UK

Introduction. We have examined four burials from the St Mary Magdalen mediaeval leprosarium cemetery in Winchester, Hampshire, UK. One (Sk.8) was a male child, two (Sk.45 and Sk.52) were adolescent females and the fourth (Sk.512) was an adult male. The cemetery was in use between the 10th and 12th centuries. All showed skeletal lesions of leprosy. Additionally, one of the two females (Sk.45) had lesions suggestive of multi-cystic tuberculosis and the second (Sk.52) of leprogenic odontodysplasia (LO), a rare malformation of the roots of the permanent maxillary incisors.Gap statement. Relatively little is known of the manifestations of lepromatous leprosy (LL) in younger individuals from the archaeological record.Aims and Methodology. To address this, we have used ancient DNA testing and osteological examination of the individuals, supplemented with X-ray and microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) scan as necessary to assess the disease status.Results and Conclusions. The presence of Mycobacterium leprae DNA was confirmed in both females, and genotyping showed SNP type 3I-1 strains but with a clear genotypic variation. We could not confirm Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA in the female individual SK.45. High levels of M. leprae DNA were found within the pulp cavities of four maxillary teeth from the male child (Sk.8) with LO, consistent with the theory that the replication of M. leprae in alveolar bone may interfere with root formation at key stages of development. We report our biomolecular findings in these individuals and review the evidence this site has contributed to our knowledge of mediaeval leprosy.

Nonmarinum, Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections of the Upper Extremity: A Multi-Institutional Descriptive Report

PURPOSE

We analyzed patient demographic factors involved in the development of nonmarinum, nontuberculous mycobacterial infections (NTMI) involving the upper extremity, and assessed diagnostic and prognostic values of commonly used preoperative laboratory and imaging studies, as well as factors related to recurrence of disease and patient outcomes.

METHODS

Patients from 2 academic, tertiary facilities with culture-proven, nonmarinum NTMI involving the upper extremity were reviewed. Patient-related factors and clinical outcomes were extracted. The analysis was based on pathogen identification (rapid- vs slow-growing subspecies) and immune status.

RESULTS

Our 76 patients had a mean age of 59 years, and 65% were male. Forty-eight percent reported an injury, and hands were frequently involved (58%). Forty-one percent were immunosuppressed (19% organ transplant recipients). The mean symptom duration prior to presentation was 203 days. The culture identification took a mean of 33 days, with 25 different species identified (subcategorized as rapid or slow growers). Seventy-seven percent had solitary lesions, with a cutaneous or subcutaneous location most common. Immunosuppressed patients were treated longer with antibiotics (243 vs 155 days in immunocompetent patients) and experienced higher rates of side effects, complications, and recurrence. All patients underwent debridement to control infection, including 4 individuals who required amputations. One-third experienced complications and/or recurrence, regardless of the organism type.

CONCLUSIONS

Upper-extremity nonmarinum NTMI is often misdiagnosed, causing management delays. Early consideration in differential diagnoses of chronic, painful swelling, nodular or inflammatory lesions, or septic arthritis is crucial. Tissue biopsy with specimens for histopathology and microbiological analysis (mycobacterial smear, cultures, and broad range polymerase chain reaction) and early involvement with an infectious disease specialist are recommended. Empiric antibiotic therapy is not standard. Debridement and prolonged, directed combination antimicrobial therapy is required; however, adverse reactions are commonly encountered.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic IV.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Tenosynovitis of the Hand: A 10-Year Experience at Two Centers in South Korea

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of nontuberculous mycobacterial tenosynovitis and to report the process of diagnosis and the outcomes of surgical debridement and drug administration in South Korea.

Methods

Between 2010 and 2019, 23 patients (10 men and 13 women) with nontuberculous tenosynovitis of the hand were treated at two centers. Their average age was 64 years, and the average duration of symptoms was 8 months (range, 1-36 months). Eight patients had a history of trauma or surgery. The average number of corticosteroid injections before diagnosis was 2.6 for 7 patients. All 23 patients were treated with a combination of extensive tenosynovectomy and antibiotics.

Results

Of the 23 patients, 20 were available for the final follow-up (1, lost to follow-up; 1, transferred to another hospital; and 1, died from a comorbidity). The most common species was Mycobacterium intracellulare (70%), followed by Mycobacterium abscessus (10%). The frequency of involvement of the extensor/flexor tendon was similar to that of the wrist/finger. The mean number of surgical debridement operations was 2.2. The average duration of antibiotic administration was 9.8 months. At the last follow-up, 3 patients were symptom-free with full range of motion at the involved site, 1 patient complained of localized swelling or pain with full range of motion, 1 patient was found to have a recurrence of infection in a finger, and 15 complained of restricted joint motion.

Conclusions

The most common species noted in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial tenosynovitis was M. intracellulare. Patients with only 1 finger involved showed good range of motion at the final follow-up. Most patients experienced delayed wound healing and adverse effects from drug therapy during treatment and limited joint motion at the final follow-up.

SPILF update on bacterial arthritis in adults and children

In 2020 the French Society of Rhumatology (SFR) published an update of the 1990 recommendations for management of bacterial arthritis in adults. While we (French ID Society, SPILF) totally endorse this update, we wished to provide further information about specific antibiotic treatments. The present update focuses on antibiotics with good distribution in bone and joint. It is important to monitor their dosage, which should be maximized according to PK/PD parameters. Dosages proposed in this update are high, with the optimized mode of administration for intravenous betalactams (continuous or intermittent infusion). We give tools for the best dosage adaptation to conditions such as obesity or renal insufficiency. In case of enterobacter infection, with an antibiogram result "susceptible for high dosage", we recommend the requesting of specialized advice from an ID physician. More often than not, it is possible to prescribe antibiotics via the oral route as soon as blood cultures are sterile and clinical have symptoms shown improvement. Duration of antibiotic treatment is 6 weeks for Staphylococcus aureus, and 4 weeks for the other bacteria (except for Neisseria: 7 days).

Study protocol: short against long antibiotic therapy for infected orthopedic sites - the randomized-controlled SALATIO trials

BACKGROUND

Few studies address the appropriate duration of post-surgical antibiotic therapy for orthopedic infections; with or without infected residual implants. We perform two similar randomized-clinical trials (RCT) to reduce the antibiotic use and associated adverse events.

METHODS

Two unblinded RCTs in adult patients (non-inferiority with a margin of 10%, a power of 80%) with the primary outcomes "remission" and "microbiologically-identical recurrences" after a combined surgical and antibiotic therapy. The main secondary outcome is antibiotic-related adverse events. The RCTs allocate the participants between 3 vs. 6 weeks of post-surgical systemic antibiotic therapy for implant-free infections and between 6 vs. 12 weeks for residual implant-related infections. We need a total of 280 episodes (randomization schemes 1:1) with a minimal follow-up of 12 months. We perform two interim analyses starting approximately after 1 and 2 years. The study approximatively lasts 3 years.

DISCUSSION

Both parallel RCTs will enable to prescribe less antibiotics for future orthopedic infections in adult patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrial.gov NCT05499481. Registered on 12 August 2022.

PROTOCOL VERSION

2 (19 May 2022).

Idiopathic tenosynovitis of the wrist with multiple rice bodies: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Multiple rice bodies in the wrist is a rare disorder that requires surgery, and there are still many uncertainties regarding its diagnosis and treatment.

CASE SUMMARY

We described a rare case of chronic idiopathic tenosynovitis with rice bodies of the wrist in a 71-year-old man and reviewed similar topics in the literature. A total of 43 articles and 61 cases were included in the literature review. Our case had a usual presentation: it was similar to those in the literature. The affected population was mainly older adults, with an average age of 59.43 (range, 3 to 90) years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.54:1 (37/24).Most of them showed limited swelling and pain, only 23.0% had carpal tunnel symptoms, and the average disease duration was 18.03 (0.5-60) mo. Wrist flexor tendon sheath involvement was the most common (95.1%, 58/61), and only 3 cases had extensor tendon sheath involvement.The main causes were tuberculosis (34.4%, 21/61), non-tuberculous mycobacteria (24.6%, 15/61), idiopathic tenosynovitis (31.1%, 19/61), and others (9.84%, 6/61). There were 10 patients with recurrences; in 6 of them, were due to non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections.

CONCLUSION

We reported a case of wrist idiopathic tenosynovitis with rice body formation, and established a clinical management algorithm for wrist tenosynovitis with rice bodies, which can provide some reference for our clinical diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of rice-body bursitis of the wrist are insidious, nonspecific, and difficult to identify. The aetiology is mainly idiopathic tenosynovitis and mycobacterial (tuberculosis or non-tuberculous) infections; the latter are difficult to treat and require long-duration systemic combination antibiotic therapies. Therefore, before a diagnosis of idiopathic tenosynovitis is made, we must exclude other causes, especially mycobacterial infections.

Mycobacterium marinum: A brief update for clinical purposes

Mycobacterium marinum (M. marinum) is a free-living, slow grower nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), strictly related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, that causes disease in fresh and saltwater fish and it is one of the causes of extra-pulmonary mycobacterial infections, ranging in human from simple cutaneous lesions to disseminated forms in immunocompromised hosts. The first human cases of M. marinum infection were reported from skin lesions of swimmers in a contaminated pool, in 1951, in Sweden by Norden and Linell. Two conditions are required to develop M. marinum infection: (1) skin solution of continuity and (2) exposure to the contaminated water or direct contact with fish or shellfish. The so-called "fish-tank granuloma", the most frequent cutaneous manifestation of M. marinum infection, is characterized by a single papulonodular, verrucose and/or ulcerated granulomatous lesion in the inoculum site. Careful patient's history collection, high clinical suspicion and appropriate sample (e.g. cutaneous biopsy) for microbiological culture are crucial for a timely diagnosis. The treatment is not standardized yet and relies on administration of two active antimycobacterial agents, always guided by antimicrobial susceptibility test on culture, with macrolides and rifampin as pivotal drugs, as well as prompt surgery when feasible. In this narrative review, we provide to Clinicians an updated report of epidemiology, microbiological characteristics, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of M. marinum infection.

A Case Report of a Novel Atypical Mycobacterial Infection: Mycobacterium Chimaera Hand Tenosynovitis

CASE

A 76-year-old fisherman with a history of diabetes mellitus, coronary artery bypass grafting, and a previous ipsilateral elbow wound presented with a 1-year history of hand pain and swelling. Anti-inflammatories and antibiotics were administered without improvement. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound demonstrated flexor tenosynovitis. Intraoperative cultures revealed Mycobacterium chimaera. The treatment course included 2 tenosynovectomies and a 1-year course of triple antimycobacterial therapy.

CONCLUSION

Nontuberculous mycobacteria infections should be considered in cases of indolent tenosynovitis. M. chimaera should be considered in patients with a history of cardiopulmonary bypass given its association with cardiopulmonary heater-cooler units.

Mycobacterial Infections of the Hand

BACKGROUND

Hand infections caused by mycobacteria are relatively uncommon compared to infections caused by other pathogens; therefore, much of the available literature consists of case reports and limited case series. Broadly categorized into tuberculous and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections, both tuberculous and NTM infections are typically insidious with long incubation periods and with the ability to remain dormant for prolonged periods.

METHODS

We reviewed the most current literature on the epidemiology, presentations, treatment methods, and resistance patterns of mycobacterial infections of the hand focusing on the indications and outcomes of nonoperative as well as operative interventions.

RESULTS

The worldwide burden of tuberculosis remains high and while the overall rate of new diagnosis drug resistant tuberculosis has been on the decline some regions of the world have demonstrated staggeringly high resistance rates to first-line tuberculosis therapies. Signs and symptoms of mycobacterial hand infection are typically inconsistent, and highly dependent on the specific structures of the hand that are affected; therefore, these infections may mimic other infections of the hand like tenosynovitis, joint space infections, and cutaneous infections. The main stay of treatment remains antimycobacterial therapies including but not limited to rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol.

CONCLUSIONS

The complications associated with mycobacterial hand infections can be significant. Prompt evaluation, including a thorough history to evaluate for potential exposures to infectious sources, followed by appropriate antibiotic choice and duration, with surgical management as needed, is key to reducing the chance that patients experience lasting effects of the infection.

Flexor Tenosynovitis Caused by Mycobacterium arupense: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

CASE

A 64-year-old man presented with swelling of his right hand and forearm. This swelling had been recurring for 5 years. He liked sea fishing and frequently injured his fingers with fishhooks. He had difficulty bending his right little and ring fingers for 2 years and experienced finger numbness for several months. We diagnosed nontuberculous mycobacterial flexor tenosynovitis after Mycobacterium arupense was detected in a tissue sample. After surgery and 2 years of multidrug therapy, he has been recurrence-free for 3 years.

CONCLUSION

Nontuberculous mycobacteriosis should be considered in chronic tenosynovitis cases.

Osteoarticular infections: a specific program for older patients?

BACKGROUND

With the increasing number of elderly patients, arthroplasties, fractures and diabetic foot infections, the worldwide number of osteoarticular infections (OAI) among the elderly is concomitantly expected to rise.

AIMS

We explore existing scientific knowledge about OAI in the frail elderly population.

METHODS

We performed a literature search linking OAIs to geriatric patients and comparing elderly patients (> 65 years) with average adults (range 18-65 years).

RESULTS

In this literature, financial aspects, comparison of diverse therapies on quality of life, reimbursement policies, or specific guidelines or nursing recommendations are missing. Age itself was not an independent factor related to particular pathogens, prevention of OAI, nursing care, and outcomes of OAI. However, geriatric patients were significantly more exposed to adverse events of therapy. They had more co-morbidities and more conservative surgery for OAI.

CONCLUSION

Available literature regarding OAI management among elderly patients is sparse. In recent evaluations, age itself does not seem an independent factor related to particular epidemiology, pathogens, prevention, nursing care, rehabilitation and therapeutic outcomes of OAI. Future clinical research will concern more conservative surgical indications, but certainly reduce inappropriate antibiotic use.

Infectious Tenosynovitis of the Tibialis Anterior Due to Mycobacterium chelonae After Intravenous Heroin Injection

Mycobacterium chelonae is a ubiquitous Gram-positive, acid-fast, non-spore-forming bacterium commonly encountered in nature associated with aquatic animals, soil, and water, including tap water. Nontuberculous mycobacterial tenosynovitis infections caused by M. chelonae in the lower extremity are uncommon, leading to a paucity of literature documenting the diagnosis and treatment of such cases. This report is of a 65-year-old male patient who was found to have an M. chelonae infection along the tibialis anterior tendon after injecting himself with heroin into the dorsal foot veins. This review covers the diagnosis and treatment as well as a case report on the outcome of infectious tenosynovitis of the tibialis anterior associated with M. chelonae. To date, this is the only reported case of tibialis anterior infectious tenosynovitis caused by M. chelonae after intravenous heroin injection.

Point-of-care ultrasound diagnosis of flexor tenosynovitis caused by an unusual pathogen

Skin and soft tissue infections are commonly encountered in the emergency department and are typically caused by common gram-positive bacteria. In the immunocompromised patient, however, infections from unusual pathogens should also be considered. We describe the case of a 66-year-old male with a history of renal transplant who was diagnosed with flexor tenosynovitis by point-of-care ultrasound. Although initial wound cultures were negative, subsequent microbiological testing led to the underlying cause, a nontuberculous mycobacterial infection.

Flexor tenosynovitis of the hand due to rare nontuberculous mycobacterium (Mycobacterium haemophilum) in an immunocompromised patient

We report a case of purulent flexor tenosynovitis caused by Mycobacterium haemophilum in an immunosuppressed patient who received renal transplantation. Three synovial debridements and multiple antimicrobial administrations with clarithromycin, rifampicin, and moxifloxacin have been performed. No apparent recurrence has been observed two years after the final operation.

Non-tuberculosis Mycobacterium Tenosynovitis with Rice Bodies in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Infectious disease with various presentations in systemic lupus erythematosus often resembles lupus flare. A 37-year-old woman presented with a swollen left index finger that had not resolved, despite 7 years of immunosuppressive treatment. MRI showed rice-body formation in the flexor tendon sheath and tenosynovectomy demonstrated chronic synovitis with epithelioid granuloma. A mycobacterial culture confirmed invasive mycobacterial tenosynovitis due to Mycobacterium chelonae. The patient was treated with moxifloxacin and clarithromycin and completely recovered.

Mycobacterial Infections in the Hand and Wrist

Mycobacterial hand infections are uncommon. These infections have an indolent course and are marked by variable and nonspecific presentations, often leading to diagnostic and treatment delays. The pathogens involved in mycobacterial hand infections include Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, atypical mycobacteria, and M leprae. Initial treatment involves a combination of long-term antibiotics and surgical débridement to cure the infection. Reconstructive procedures aid in restoring hand function lost secondary to the disease.

Mycobacterium szulgai Infection after Carpal Tunnel Release Requiring Extensive Debridement and ALT Flap Reconstruction

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) refer to all mycobacteria species not associated with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. NTM have been shown to cause superficial and deep tissue infections of the hand, the vast majority of which are attributed to Mycobacterium marinum . There have been only eight cases of Mycobacterium szulgai -associated infections of the hand described in the English literature, none requiring surgical reconstruction. We describe a severe case of M. szulgai -associated carpal tunnel infection reported in an immunocompetent patient requiring extensive soft tissue debridement and reconstruction. This case illustrates the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach with microbiology specialists when managing severe soft tissue infections of the hand.

Idiopathic tenosynovitis with rice bodies

PURPOSE

Idiopathic tenosynovitis with rice bodies is a rare disease and its non-association with rheumatic diseases, tuberculosis infection or trauma is reported only in few cases in literature.

PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our study presents a series of five patients diagnosed with tenosynovitis with rice bodies at the flexor tendons of the upper limb. Medical history revealed no associated disease or trauma. Disease duration ranged between two months and four years, two patients presenting symptoms of acute carpal tunnel and three patients tumor mass. In one case, the tumor measured 210 mm in length and a tendon rupture was suspected. Laboratory and imaging investigations could not establish a specific associated pathology and a preoperative diagnosis. Surgical treatment consisting of synovectomy was performed in all patients.

RESULTS

In all five cases, intraoperative appearance could easily determine the presence of rice bodies. Histopathological examination revealed typical aspect for rice bodies and make the diagnosis possible without the need for other more laborious processing (immunohistochemistry). The amount of rice bodies was directly proportional to disease duration. In all cases, the recovery was complete. After a median 30.4-month follow-up, no recurrence was detected. Subsequently performed laboratory investigations and specific tests did not reveal tuberculosis infection, rheumatic disease, or other diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest series of patients with idiopathic tenosynovitis with rice bodies and the bigger tumor mass reported to date. Synovectomy with removal of all rice bodies represents the optimal treatment. A longer disease course may be associated with a larger number of rice bodies, which may be associated with tendon rupture. The etiopathogenesis remains unclear, further studies being necessary to establish it.

Horseshoe abscess of the hand with rice bodies secondary to mycobacterium avium intracellulare infection

A horseshoe abscess is caused by infection that spreads between the flexor tendon sheath of the thumb or little finger through the radial and ulnar bursae through communication between the two and/or the space of Parona. We present a case of an 80-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis who presented with 6 months of right hand and wrist soft tissue swelling, initially treated as a rheumatoid arthritis flare. MRI demonstrates the horseshoe abscess and after surgical irrigation and debridement with synovectomy, cultures demonstrated infection with mycobacterium avium intracellulare (MAI). This case demonstrates the importance of MRI in diagnosing and evaluating the extent of hand infections and for considering mycobacterial organisms for appropriate treatment and antibiotic regimen.

Chronic Tenosynovitis of the Upper Extremities Caused by Mycobacterium kansasii : A Clinical Case and Systematic Review of Literature

Background  Chronic tenosynovitis of the upper extremities caused by Mycobacterium kansasii ( M. kansasii ) is uncommon, but symptoms may overlap with other more common diseases. Late diagnosis and treatment can lead to disfiguration of structures and rupture of tendons, resulting in worse cosmetic outcomes after reconstruction. Methods  We present a clinical case and literature review of M. kansasii in patients with chronic tenosynovitis of upper extremities. PubMed was queried for cases of upper extremities tenosynovitis caused by M. kansasii . The keywords " M. kansasii ," "tenosynovitis" and synonyms were used for search in different combinations. Manuscripts, with no specific data or another condition, where the infection was not located in the upper extremities, were reviews, or not in English, were excluded from the study. Results  We described 23 reported cases of tenosynovitis of the upper extremity caused by M. kansasii . An immunosuppressed state was present in eight (34.8%) cases, and 12 (52.2%) patients received immunosuppressive treatment. A long-time period between the first appearance of symptoms and the definitive diagnosis was identified (median: 7 months, interquartile range: 9). The most frequent symptoms were local swelling (65.2%), pain (56.5%), mass effect (26%), and stiffness (13%). Tendon rupture was found in three (13%) patients as a complication of the disease. Moreover, seven (30.4%) patients underwent previous surgeries to try to relieve the symptoms before definitive diagnosis was achieved. Conclusion M. kansasii is an important differential causal pathogen for tenosynovitis of the upper extremities. Although rare, raising awareness about this infectious disease is imperative to avoid inadequate management and hazardous aesthetic sequelae.

Short postsurgical antibiotic therapy for spinal infections: protocol of prospective, randomized, unblinded, noninferiority trials (SASI trials)

BACKGROUND

There are several open scientific questions regarding the optimal antibiotic treatment of spinal infections (SIs) with or without an implant. The duration of postsurgical antibiotic therapy is debated.

METHODS

We will perform two unblinded randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We hypothesize that shorter durations of systemic antibiotic therapy after surgery for SI are noninferior (10% margin, 80% power, α = 5%) to existing (long) treatment durations. The RCTs allocate the participants to two arms of 2 × 59 episodes each: 3 vs. 6 weeks of targeted postsurgical systemic antibiotic therapy for implant-free SIs or 6 vs. 12 weeks for implant-related SIs. This equals a total of 236 adult SI episodes (randomization scheme 1:1) with a minimal follow-up of 12 months. All participants receive concomitant multidisciplinary surgical, re-educational, internist, and infectious disease care. We will perform three interim analyses that are evaluated, in a blinded analysis, by an independent study data monitoring committee. Besides the primary outcome of remission, we will also assess adverse events of antibiotic therapy, changes of the patient's nutritional status, the influence of immune suppression, total costs, functional scores, and the timely evolution of the (surgical) wounds. We define infection as the presence of local signs of inflammation (pus, wound discharge, calor, and rubor) together with microbiological evidence of the same pathogen(s) in at least two intraoperative samples, and we define remission as the absence of clinical, laboratory, and/or radiological evidence of (former or new) infection.

DISCUSSION

Provided that there is adequate surgical debridement, both RCTs will potentially enable prescription of less antibiotics during the therapy of SI, with potentially less adverse events and reduced overall costs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04048304. Registered on 5 August 2019.

PROTOCOL VERSION

2, 5 July 2019.

Bone and joint infections of the hand

BACKGROUND

Little guidance is currently available for standardized diagnostic protocols and therapeutic recommendations for bone and joint infections (BJIs) of the hand.

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the available data in the scientific English-language literature on the diagnosis and treatment of native BJIs of the hand. To illustrate these concepts from a narrative point of view in areas where there is lack of evidence.

SOURCES

We performed a systematic PubMed and Internet search of studies that investigated hand BJIs in adult patients.

CONTENT

Few studies have systematically investigated and validated diagnostic concepts, classifications or surgical treatment protocols. Most concepts derive from traditional intra-institutional experience, expert opinions and extrapolations from infections in large joints and long bones. Similarly, there is no uniformly accepted infection definition of BJIs of the hand. The best-documented literature is available for microbiological findings and antibiotic treatment duration in uncomplicated native joint arthritis of the fingers. Retrospective studies and one prospective randomized trial suggest that post-surgical targeted antibiotic therapy of 2 weeks results in a microbiological cure rate of ≥88%.

IMPLICATIONS

Studies on diagnostic workup and infection definition and classification are urgently needed to compare inter-institutional outcome results and generate guidelines for the best patient care. For uncomplicated pyogenic arthritis of native joints, current evidence suggests that a 2-week course of antibiotic therapy following surgery cures the infection.

Deep infection with Mycobacterium marinum: successful treatment of a frequently misdiagnosed disease

We report a rare yet typical presentation of a severe infection with Mycobacterium marinum that affected the deep structure of the hand and wrist of a 43-old fish breeder. A combination therapy of surgical debridement and antibiotic treatment with clarithromycin and ethambutol for 6 months led to a total resolution of the symptoms. Intensive rehabilitation completely restored the function of the hand.

Soft tissue infection caused by Mycolicibacter kumamotonensis

Mycolicibacter kumamotonensis (M. kumamotonensis), formerly Mycobacterium kumamotonense, is a nontuberculous mycobacteria species, which was first separated from Mycobacterium terrae complex in 2006. Reports about infections caused by M. kumamotonensis are extremely rare, with most of them being lung infection. Here, we report the case of a 68-year-old man with a hobby of gardening who developed swelling in his right middle finger. He underwent surgical debridement at a previous hospital and was diagnosed with nontuberculous mycobacteria infection based on positive findings of acid-fast staining of pus obtained from the surgical specimen. He was treated with rifampicin, ethambutol, and clarithromycin, but the swelling worsened. Therefore, he was referred to our hospital for further examination and treatment. We performed a second debridement and added isoniazid to the treatment regimen, but the swelling continued to worsen. We then administered levofloxacin, but his condition did not change. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and DNA sequencing analysis confirmed M. kumamotonensis as the causative bacterium. Since the finger swelling did not improve, the patient underwent a third debridement and amikacin was added to the treatment regimen. Finally, the infection was controlled. He completed amikacin therapy and will continue treatment with the other five antibiotics for a total of 24 months. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with M. kumamotonensis soft tissue infection. We consider this case might provide important insights into the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue infections caused by M. kumamotonensis.

Non-tuberculous Mycobacterium or Fungus Induced Chronic Tenosynovitis with Rice Body of the Hand

BACKGROUND

Chronic tenosynovitis of the wrist and hand is commonly seen by orthopedists, especially hand surgeons. However, cases with rice body formation are comparatively rare. Thus, we retrospectively reviewed the cases of chronic tenosynovitis in our department and evaluated the necessity of antibiotic therapy in the early post-surgical stage.

METHODS

We analyzed the medical and surgical records of patients who had undergone surgery for chronic tenosynovitis with rice body formation in our department from 1997 to 2015. We evaluated the causes of chronic tenosynovitis, culture findings, pathological findings, and post-operative treatment courses.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients with 23 involved hands underwent surgery for chronic tenosynovitis, and 9 patients had rice body formation. The most common cause of chronic tenosynovitis was non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis, and other causes were fungal infection and infection of unknown origin. Recurrence was observed in 2 cases of mycobacteriosis and 1 case of fungal infection; 1 case of mycobacteriosis also had a re-recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

In the diagnosis of chronic tenosynovitis with rice body formation, it is necessary to consider not only non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis, but also fungal infection as its origin. However, it is difficult to define the cause of synovitis, but in cases in which these infections are suspected, anti-bacterial therapy in the early post-surgical period could be effective.

Two weeks versus four weeks of antibiotic therapy after surgical drainage for native joint bacterial arthritis: a prospective, randomised, non-inferiority trial

Objective

The optimal duration of postsurgical antibiotic therapy for adult native joint bacterial arthritis remains unknown.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, unblinded, randomised, non-inferiority study comparing either 2 or 4 weeks of antibiotic therapy after surgical drainage of native joint bacterial arthritis in adults. Excluded were implant-related infections, episodes without surgical lavage and episodes with a follow-up of less than 2 months.

Results

We enrolled 154 cases: 77 in the 4-week arm and 77 in the 2-week arm. Median length of intravenous antibiotic treatment was 1 and 2 days, respectively. The median number of surgical lavages was 1 in both arms. Recurrence of infection was noted in three patients (2%): 1 in the 2-week arm (99% cure rate) and 2 in the 4-week arm (97% cure rate). There was no difference in the number of adverse events or sequelae between the study arms. Of the overall 154 arthritis cases, 99 concerned the hand and wrist, for which an additional subgroup analysis was performed. In this per-protocol subanalysis, we noted three recurrences: one in the 2-week arm (97 % cure); two in the 4-week arm (96 % cure) and witnessed sequelae in 50% in the 2-week arm versus 55% in the 4-week arm, of which five (13%) and six (13%) needed further interventions.

Conclusions

After initial surgical lavage for septic arthritis, 2 weeks of targeted antibiotic therapy is not inferior to 4 weeks regarding cure rate, adverse events or sequelae and leads to a significantly shorter hospital stay, at least for hand and wrist arthritis.

Trial registration number

NCT03615781.

Native septic arthritis is not an immediate surgical emergency

Acute native joint septic arthritis is generally considered a surgical emergency, requiring drainage within hours, including during night, weekend or holiday shifts. However, there are few data supporting the need for the disruption caused by this degree of urgency.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of all adult patients seen in our medical center from 1997-2015 with culture-proven septic arthritis and noted the epidemiology of sequelae, and their possible association with a delay in surgical drainage.

RESULTS

Of 204 septic arthritis episodes, 46 (23%) involved interdigital hand and foot joints. Large joints involved included the knee (n = 67), shoulder (48), hip (22), ankle (8), acromio-clavicular (5), elbow (4), wrist (3), and sterno-clavicular (1) regions. All patients underwent surgical drainage of the joint and received targeted systemic antibiotic therapy. Sequelae of varying severity occurred in 83 patients (41%): recurrences (n = 15); secondary arthrosis (30); persistent pain (9); Girdlestone procedure (9); arthrodesis (9); amputation (8); stiffness (8); and Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (2). By multivariate Cox regression analysis factors did not predict sequelae included: age; treatment with systemic corticosteroids; pre-existing clinical or radiological arthropathy; total duration of antibiotic therapy; type of joint; and, number of surgical interventions. Similarly, there was no association of sequelae with the number of days of pre-hospitalization joint symptoms (hazard ratio 1.0, 95% confidence interval 0.99-1.01) or hours spent in the emergency department (HR 1.0, 0.9-1.2). Notably, patients who had joint lavage within 6 h of presentation had similar functional outcomes as those with lavage done at 6-12 h, 12-24 h, or > 24 h after presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that for native septic arthritis, in the absence of clinical sepsis immediate joint drainage does not appear to reduce the risk of sequelae compared with delayed drainage.

Mycobacterium longobardum Infection in the Hand

Mycobacterium longobardum is a slow-growing, nontuberculous mycobacterium that was first characterized in 2012. We report a case of M. longobardum infection in the right middle finger of a diabetic man. He underwent surgery for a presumed diagnosis of an epidermal inclusion cyst. Molecular diagnosis of the surgical specimens demonstrated M. longobardum through RNA polymerase β-subunit encoding gene sequencing. After surgery, the patient was treated with antibiotics and eventually cured of the infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the second reported case of a pathogenic M. longobardum infection worldwide and the first such case in the hand. The purposes of this case study are to alert treating providers to consider nontuberculous mycobacterium infection when an inflammatory process persists, discuss signs and symptoms of the disease, and provide general treatment guidelines.

Atypical Mycobacterial Infections of the Upper Extremity

Atypical mycobacterial infections of upper extremity synovial-lined structures are often misdiagnosed and unrecognized. Despite an increasing incidence, lack of physician awareness of these pathogens may result in considerable delay in diagnosis and management, potentially leading to permanent disability. The authors conducted a literature review and analyzed 31 cases of penetrating atypical mycobacterial infection to better understand the clinical characteristics and to evaluate their posttreatment complication rate compared with available literature. Medical records for culture-positive cases of tenosynovial or intra-articular atypical mycobacterial infections of the upper extremity that were treated were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment outcomes were analyzed against published case reviews and case series. Thirty-one cases of penetrating atypical mycobacterial infection were identified. Mycobacterium marinum (n=11) was the most common organism and was associated with aquatic exposure. Twenty-eight cases received empiric treatment, 17 of which received contraindicated treatment. Patients saw an average of 5 physicians prior to receiving an accurate diagnosis, and the mean time to diagnosis was 10 months. All cases received antibiotic treatment in addition to surgical management. Twenty cases (68%) failed treatment outcomes. Delay in diagnosis and inappropriate management of atypical mycobacterial infections may lead to a treatment failure rate that is higher than what has been reported in the literature. Mycobacterium avium and M fortuitum had significantly higher failure rates than other organisms. A high index of suspicion is required to make a diagnosis and prevent residual disability. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(3):e383-e388.].

Flexor Tenosynovitis of the Hand Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Infectious tenosynovitis of the hand is a serious condition with a high risk of morbidity. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a rare cause of tenosynovitis, especially in regions where tuberculosis is no longer endemic, and presents significant diagnostic challenges. We present the case of a 42-year-old woman with no known history of or exposure to tuberculosis and a medical history of systemic lupus erythematosus on chronic immunosuppressive therapy who presented with swelling and erythema in the fifth finger of the left hand of 1-month duration. She underwent tenosynovectomy, and intraoperative cultures grew M tuberculosis. The patient completed an appropriate antibiotic regimen, and systemic workup revealed ring-enhancing lesions on brain MRI consistent with tuberculoma. We review the literature and current trends in the management of mycobacterial tenosynovitis, as well as the important teaching points of the case.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections of the Upper Extremity: 15-Year Experience at a Tertiary Care Medical Center

PURPOSE

To present our experience with culture-positive, nontuberculous mycobacterial infections (NTMI) of the upper extremity and to compare the clinical features and outcomes of treatment among immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients.

METHODS

All patients at our medical center diagnosed with NTMI of the upper extremity from December 1, 2000, through December 31, 2015, were included. We performed a retrospective analysis of patient demographic characteristics, delay to diagnosis, risk factors, clinical presentation, specific location, diagnostic testing, treatment regimens, and outcomes. These variables were compared between immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were identified with culture-positive NTMI of the upper extremity. Of the patients, 27 (61%) were men (median age, 59 years [range, 23-83 years]). Twenty (45%) patients were immunocompromised. Immunocompromised patients had fewer known inoculation injuries compared with immunocompetent patients (45% vs 92%). A significant difference existed in the treatment regimens selected for immunocompetent versus immunocompromised patients: immunocompetent patients were more often treated with both antibiotics and surgery (88% vs 50%), whereas immunocompromised patients were more often treated with antibiotics alone (45% vs 4%). Overall, 24% experienced treatment failure and 9% died. Outcomes were relatively similar between immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. A shorter delay to diagnosis was associated with a lower failure rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis of upper-extremity NTMI is often delayed because of indolent presentation and lack of clinical suspicion. The clinical presentation, diagnostic delay, and diagnostic testing results are similar between immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. Although treatment varied significantly between patient groups, outcomes were similar. Timely diagnosis has the greatest impact on patient outcome.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Tenosynovitis caused by Mycobacterium malmoense in two kidney transplant recipients and review of the literature

We report two unrelated cases of tenosynovitis caused by Mycobacterium malmoense in kidney transplant recipients. Both patients received immunosuppression and were referred to our tertiary hospital because of persisting complaints lasting >6 months not responding to corticosteroids or surgery. The mycobacterial cultures were positive for the slow-growing M. malmoense after several weeks of incubation. The patient in Case 1 was treated with a combination of surgical debridement and antibiotics, whereas the patient in Case 2 was only treated surgically. Both cases illustrate the doctor's delay in diagnosing mycobacterial infections, and remind us that nontuberculous mycobacterial infections should be part of the differential diagnosis of tenosynovitis, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Chronic tenosynovitis of the hand caused by Mycobacterium heraklionense

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria are increasingly recognized as a cause of infection in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts. Mycobacterium heraklionense is a recently described member of the Mycobacterium terrae complex. Herein we report a case of M. heraklionense chronic flexor tenosynovitis in the hand, managed with surgery and antibiotics.

Septic arthritis in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed hosts

Septic arthritis has long been considered an orthopedic emergency. Historically, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Staphylococcus aureus have been the most common causes of septic arthritis worldwide but in the modern era of biological therapy and extensive use of prosthetic joint replacements, the spectrum of microbiological causes of septic arthritis has widened considerably. There are also new approaches to diagnosis but therapy remains a challenge, with a need for careful consideration of a combined medical and surgical approach in most cases.