Maxillary Osteomyelitis by Actinomyces in a Child

Abstract

Actinomycosis is a bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species, which usually affect the soft tissues of the cervicofacial region of adult males. Clinically, it's characterized by a slow-growing indurated mass, especially in the submandibular area. However, in a few cases, the jaws bones can be affected developing osteomyelitis characteristics. The aim of this paper is to report a rare clinical case of Actinomycotic Osteomyelitis affecting the maxilla of a child, involving the maxillary sinus, orbital and zygomatic areas that was treated by the association of antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement. The patient's 2 years follow-up was uneventful and no signs of the lesion recurrence.