What does it mean when a bronchoscopy in 2024 showed MAC but....

Posted by letsjustbreathe @letsjustbreathe, 5 days ago

What does it mean when a bronchoscopy in 2024 showed MAC but 6 sputum samples since then did NOT grow MAC? MAC showed up in the BAL only from the bronchoscopy, not from washings in the right middle lobe. I think I give pretty decent sputum samples.

Sputum does consistently show pseudomonas and my CT scans show what looks like progressive MAC-- more tree-in-buds, cavitation, etc.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | 2 days ago

@letsjustbreathe Questions like these are beyond the scope of our support group - we are not doctors and can only share our experiences.
What I would do in your shoes is to be sure I am seeing a pulmonologist who is an expert in managing bronchiectasis and both pseudomonas and mycobacteria infections.
Have you considered seeking care at a center of excellence near you? Here is a current list of the 50+ clinics around the country:
https://social.bronchandntm.org/directory/find-a-bronchiectasis-and-ntm-center

irenea8 | @irenea8 | 1 day ago

It is not uncommon for MAC to not show up in sputum samples but then it is found with Bronchoscopy. But of course check with your Pulmo to verify that. Your CT is also an indicator.

pmmar1 | @pmmar1 | 1 day ago

I am a patient at NJH and for the past 9 months, I show no MAC or MAI, which were very common in my sputum samples for the 2.5 years before that. I am on no meds and, other than hemoptysis, have no major symptoms. MAC/MAI may show up in future samples but for now I'm doing fine and enjoying life -- at 81 years of age.