Disseminated Atypical Mycobacterial Infection and Pancytopenia

This study reports clinical data on three patients who had disseminated infection due to atypical mycobacteria associated with pancytopenia. The diagnosis in all three was established by biopsy, autopsy, and culture. The previously reported 15 cases of disseminated atypical mycobacterial infection are reviewed, and the surprisingly high frequency of hematologic abnormalities in them are noted. Although not subject to proof at this time, the clinical features, the course, and the laboratory data presented suggest that the infection in these patients may have been the primary disease.