Cavitary lesion from pulmonary nocardiosis in non-immunocompromised patients with chronic lung disease: A report of three cases

Abstract

Pulmonary nocardiosis commonly presents with respiratory symptoms resembling those observed in community-acquired pneumonia caused by other agents. Nocardia was previously considered to primarily affect immunocompromised populations, particularly transplant patients. However, recent studies have indicated a rise in the incidence of pulmonary nocardiosis among non-immunocompromised patients. In this report, we present the cases of three nonimmunocompromised patients with pulmonary nocardiosis with a subacute clinical presentation who showed cavitation on chest computed tomography. Our reports emphasize the potential diagnostic clues documented in the literature that may help pulmonary nocardiosis diagnostic investigations. The development of a high index of suspicion for pulmonary nocardiosis remains crucial.