ROC curve analysis for NTM-LD among the patients with NTM in their sputum (Fig. 3) revealed AUC values of 0.764 (95% CI: 0.650–0.875) for AFS titer in the sputum, 0.785 (95% CI: 0.688–0.873) for radiographic score, 0.623 (95% CI: 0.511–0.741) for VEGF/PlGF ratio, and 0.600 (95% CI: 0.481–0.719) for a nodular-bronchiectasis pattern, all of which were lower than that for the number of sputum cultures positive for NTM (AUC = 0.968, 95% CI: 0.941–0.995). This evidence concerns the gene PGF and bronchiectasis.