Disseminated Mycobacterium kansasii infection in an HIV-negative patient presenting with mimicking multiple bone metastases

We report a patient with disseminated Mycobacterium kansasii infection, but with no underlying disease, presenting with mimicking multiple bone metastases with cancer of unknown primary site. Disseminated M. kansasii infection is rare in HIV-negative patients without underlying diseases. This patient had disseminated M kansasii infection manifested with vertebral osteomyelitis, sacroiliitis, psoas abscess, bone marrow granuloma, liver granuloma, and possible spleen abscesses. The clinical manifestations are described and discussed in details. (C) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.