Disseminated nocardiosis in an immunosuppressed patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Abstract

Opportunistic infections are an ongoing concern in patients with autoimmune disease who are being treated with immunosuppressive agents. Nocardiosis is an uncommon opportunistic infection which has been reported in association with immunosuppressed patients and autoimmune disease. It is challenging to diagnose and can have multisystem manifestations. Failure to diagnose and appropriately treat can result in significant mortality. We present a 49 year old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder who was treated with mycophenolate mofetil, prednisone and recent plasmapheresis. She developed acute onset of shortness of breath and fevers and was ultimately diagnosed with disseminated nocardiosis with lung, brain and muscle abscesses.