High-resolution computed tomography appearance of pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex infection after exposure to hot tub: case of hot-tub lung.

ABSTRACT

Reports detailing Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection in an immunocompetent host after exposure to hot tub (hot-tub lung) are few and have not focused on the radiographic presentation. On high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), hot-tub lung caused by MAC infection closely resembles subacute hypersensitivity pneumonitis and is difficult to distinguish based on imaging parameters alone. Centrilobular nodules of ground-glass attenuation with beading of the interlobular septae are prominent features on HRCT. Correlation of clinical history with radiographic, pathologic, and microbiologic findings are necessary to establish a diagnosis of hot-tub lung.