Mycobacterium chelonae finger infection associated with Raynaud’s phenomenon

M ycobacterium chelonae infections are uncommon and have not been reported as a complication of Raynaud’s phenomenon previously. We describe a patient with this problem who responded well to treatment. A 21 year old female telephonist was referred with a 1 week history of swollen right index and middle fingers. There was no history of trauma but she had had Raynaud’s phenomenon since the age of 12. There was no history of recent travel abroad or of unusual hobbies. On examination she was apyrexial, she had diffuse swelling but no discolouration of the right index and middle fingers. She had no blisters or ulceration and the fingers were not tender to touch. Nine days later, despite flucloxacillin orally and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, all her fingers were cold and bluish, and the right index and right …