We report on a case of lung infection due to mycobacterium fortuitum in conjunction with esophageal achalasia. A review of literature and a discussion on pathophysiological, clinical and therapeutical aspects are included. We conclude that bacterial poly-resistance in case of infections resembling tuberculosis should prompt a search for atypical mycobacteria. Patients suffering from nontuberculous mycobacteriosis of the lung should be subject to oesophageal examination.