IntroductionNon-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental bacteria capable of causing an opportunistic myriad of infections. Mycobacterium kansasii, one such NTM, is responsible for causing pulmonary disease in immunocompromised patients. Rare extrapulmonary manifestations such as lymphadenitis, osteoarticular manifestations, and skin and soft tissue infections are also observed.Case presentationHere, we report an unusual case of sternoclavicular joint and elbow joint infection with M. kansasii in a relatively immunocompetent patient. Histopathology did not show classic granulomas and mycobacterial infection was not initially considered as a possibility. However repeat biopsies were sent for mycobacterial cultures which then grew M. kansasii.ConclusionDiagnosis of M. kansasii in such cases can be difficult and culture-positive results may not necessarily imply positive diagnosis as they can be environmental contaminants. Furthermore, M. kansasii can cause infections without the characteristic granuloma formation, which can further complicate tissue diagnosis. This underlines the importance of ensuring that tissue samples obtained are cultured for mycobacteria.

Fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) is inflammation of the paranasal sinus mucosa due to fungal infections, which can be invasive or non-invasive. The occurrence of a sphenoid mucocele with a fungal ball is rare. We report a case of sphenoid sinus mucocele with a fungal ball caused by Scedosporium apiopermum in a 32-year-old female who presented to the Emergency Department with persistent headache not relieved on medications. The radiological images showed a mucocele with clival osteomyelitis. Urgent endoscopic examination and debridement was undertaken which demonstrated a mucocele with fungal ball. Microbiological examination confirmed it to be Scedosporium apiopermum.