1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis
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Cavities on CT scan but no MAC in sputum cultures

Posted by jago @jago, Dec 10, 2025

Does anyone have a cavity (I have 2 small ones and 1 new one) and never tested positive for MAC? I've tested negative for fungus as well, only Haemophilous showed up earlier this year. I cough a lot, much mucus, even with the daily clearance of two 7% sessions & ACTs. My doctors at NJH have no answers and suggest a bronchoscopy. Since my cough and SOB are worsening, and with no other signs of an exasperation, I'm stumped.

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maxraether | @maxraether | Dec 15, 2025
In reply to @helen1000 "@maxraether Yes they did a biopsy and found out that it is MAC infection. Anything can..." + (show)
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@maxraether Yes they did a biopsy and found out that it is MAC infection. Anything can happen to our lives, which is what I got after I turned 44. The only thing we can do is to face it and fight with it. The great thing is medical technology is advancing, and if you find it earlier, anything can be cured.

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Thank you!

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kathyjjb | @kathyjjb | Dec 16, 2025

If my NJH doctor recommended a bronchoscopy, I would get it.

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jago | @jago | Dec 17, 2025
In reply to @kathyjjb "If my NJH doctor recommended a bronchoscopy, I would get it." + (show)
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If my NJH doctor recommended a bronchoscopy, I would get it.

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@kathyjjb Yes, I’m scheduled for one on 12/22. I’m glad to get in so soon.

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kathyjjb | @kathyjjb | Dec 18, 2025
In reply to @jago "@kathyjjb Yes, I’m scheduled for one on 12/22. I’m glad to get in so soon." + (show)
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@kathyjjb Yes, I’m scheduled for one on 12/22. I’m glad to get in so soon.

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@jago
Good luck and please keep us posted. Sending prayers your way.

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jago | @jago | Feb 13 9:36am

Update - I had the bronchoscopy in Dec, and the results were no MAC or Pseudomonas. We're still not sure what caused the cavities. There was a heavy load of neutrophils in the testing, so I started Brinsupri yesterday. Hopefully the drug will result in less coughing, sputum and inflammation.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Feb 13 4:06pm
In reply to @jago "Update - I had the bronchoscopy in Dec, and the results were no MAC or Pseudomonas...." + (show)
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Update - I had the bronchoscopy in Dec, and the results were no MAC or Pseudomonas. We're still not sure what caused the cavities. There was a heavy load of neutrophils in the testing, so I started Brinsupri yesterday. Hopefully the drug will result in less coughing, sputum and inflammation.

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@jago That is good news about the lack of infection. I wonder if the cavity is an artifact of a previous infection, maybe one you didn't know you had?
I am so glad you are able to try Brinsupri. You can read about others who have tried it, or report on your own experience here:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/brinsupri-aka-brensocatib/

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jago | @jago | Feb 13 5:06pm
In reply to @sueinmn "@jago That is good news about the lack of infection. I wonder if the cavity is..." + (show)
Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

@jago That is good news about the lack of infection. I wonder if the cavity is an artifact of a previous infection, maybe one you didn't know you had?
I am so glad you are able to try Brinsupri. You can read about others who have tried it, or report on your own experience here:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/brinsupri-aka-brensocatib/

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@sueinmn Thanks! So relieved there was no infection. My ID doctor at NJH said I would be the only one of his patients on Brinsupri with cavities and no infections. Fingers crossed I'll have good news to share with the group.

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jenny0822 | @jenny0822 | Feb 14 11:44am
In reply to @jago "Update - I had the bronchoscopy in Dec, and the results were no MAC or Pseudomonas...." + (show)
Profile picture for jago @jago

Update - I had the bronchoscopy in Dec, and the results were no MAC or Pseudomonas. We're still not sure what caused the cavities. There was a heavy load of neutrophils in the testing, so I started Brinsupri yesterday. Hopefully the drug will result in less coughing, sputum and inflammation.

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@jago
When my CT showed cavitation they did a lot of blood test for RA, Lupis and other autoimmune diseases. It had never showed before but many were showing. But then the sputum tested positive. So have they tested for RA?

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jago | @jago | Feb 15 10:11pm

Years ago and I was tested for RA which was negative. That’s an interesting point about Lupus and autoimmune diseases. I’ll look into it.

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