Mycobacterium marinum infection of the deep structures of the hand and wrist: 25 years of experience.

Abstract

Mycobacterium marinum infection could have various presentations, from superficial skin infection to deep structure destruction. The prognosis is relatively poor when deep structure is involved as it is more destructive. The prognosis is even worse when operation is required. In the retrospective study of 136 patients who suffered this disease with deep structure involvement, their clinical presentations could be classified into benign and aggressive type. It was found that both types of presentation could be treated conservatively by medication alone. Benign presentations could be treated successfully with chemotherapy alone without complications. Patients with aggressive presentation were usually associated with worse prognosis as there were more complications regardless of the management option. Therefore, the clinical presentation not only had prognostic value but could also guide the treatment plan.