American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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Which of the following is a common symptom of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection?

High blood pressure
Abdominal pain
Coughing blood
Chronic headaches

The correct answer is: Abdominal pain

Disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection is most commonly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly abdominal pain. This infection primarily affects immunocompromised individuals, such as those with advanced HIV/AIDS or certain chronic conditions, leading to systemic disease that can cause the disruption of normal organ systems. In cases of disseminated MAC, patients often experience nonspecific symptoms, but abdominal discomfort is a frequent presentation due to the organism's affinity for the gastrointestinal tract. This can manifest as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or weight loss. While other symptoms may appear during an infection or other unrelated conditions could lead to the remaining choices, they are not characteristic presentations of disseminated MAC. High blood pressure, coughing blood, and chronic headaches are not commonly associated symptoms and can be linked to other health issues not specifically related to this type of mycobacterial infection. Thus, abdominal pain stands out as a relevant and common symptom within the context of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection.