Nocardiosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Nocardia, a gram positive variably acid-fast aerobic bacterium is an opport unistic pathogen in immunocompromised hosts. We present 5 cases of nocardio sis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. We emphasize the clinica l features, radiologic findings, and antibiotic sensitivity. Lung involveme nt was the predominant manifestation; others include brain abscess, retinit is, thyroiditis, and diaphragmatic infiltration. We describe the first case s of pulmonary nocardiosis presenting as pneumothorax and the use of fine n eedle aspiration cytology in diagnosing nocardial thyroiditis.