Pulmonary Actinomycosis in a Male Patient with a Tracheal Bronchus

Costiniuk, Cecilia T.; Voduc, Nha; Souza, Carolina de

doi:10.1155/2011/462608

Cited by 14 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…These observations are credible due to the possibility of aspiration, since A. graevenitzii colonizes the oral cavity in particular (28). A. meyeri (89)(90)(91)(92)(93)(94), A. israelii (95,96), A. odontolyticus (97,98), and A. cardiffensis (99) have been recovered from actinomycotic lesions at pulmonary sites. A. cardiffensis has also been isolated from the blood of a patient with multiple lung abscesses and septicemia (100).…”

Section: Thoracic Actinomycosismentioning

confidence: 84%

Actinomyces and Related Organisms in Human Infections

2015

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SUMMARY Actinomyces israelii has long been recognized as a causative agent of actinomycosis. During the past 3 decades, a large number of novel Actinomyces species have been described. Their detection and identification in clinical microbiology laboratories and recognition as pathogens in clinical settings can be challenging. With the introduction of advanced molecular methods, knowledge about their clinical relevance is gradually increasing, and the spectrum of diseases associated with Actinomyces and Actinomyces -like organisms is widening accordingly; for example, Actinomyces meyeri , Actinomyces neuii , and Actinomyces turicensis as well as Actinotignum (formerly Actinobaculum ) schaalii are emerging as important causes of specific infections at various body sites. In the present review, we have gathered this information to provide a comprehensive and microbiologically consistent overview of the significance of Actinomyces and some closely related taxa in human infections.

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Section: Thoracic Actinomycosismentioning

confidence: 84%

Actinomyces and Related Organisms in Human Infections

2015

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“…Dentogingival disease is one of the major risk factors predisposing patients to lung infections due to the aspiration of the buccal flora, including A. meyeri. Thoracic or systemic trauma can be another predisposing factor for the infection, as well as chronic diseases, alcoholism, and the chronic use of immunosuppressants [2][3][4][5][6].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Strange Case of Traumatic Pleural Effusion: Pleural Empyema Due to Actinomyces meyeri, a Case Report

Ghisalberti

Madioni

Ghinassi

et al. 2023

Life

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BACKGROUND: Actinomycosis by Actinomyces meyeri is rare and scarcely reported in the literature. The lung is the main organ involved. Penicillin and amoxicillin are the first-choice treatments. Surgery is indicated when empyema and abscesses are resistant to medical treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: We report an underdiagnosed case of pleural empyema due to A. meyeri in a patient with closed chest trauma. The patient, a male, 47 years old, presented with a dry cough, thoracic pain, and dyspnea a month after the trauma. A chest X-ray showed a left lower lobe pleural effusion, so he was subjected to a thoracentesis, leading to a partial re-expansion of the left lung. The patient also complained about gum discomfort; thus, a dental x-ray scan was taken, which showed the presence of vertical bone resorption in a periodontal pocket. The patient was treated with levofloxacin 500 mg orally once a day, which was continued for 15 days after discharge. Two months after the accident, he presented again with intermittent fever, a worsening cough, and dyspnea. A CT scan showed thickening of the left pleura and a loculated pleural effusion with partial collapse of the left lower lobe. A decision was made to refer the patient to the Thoracic Unit to undergo surgery via a left thoracoscopic uniportal approach. The lung was thoroughly decorticated, and the purulent fluid was aspirated. The postoperative course was uneventful. Cultures showed the growth of Actinomyces meyeri, which is sensitive to imipenem and amoxicillin. The patient started a proper antibiotic regimen and, whenever possible, was discharged. At 12 months follow-up, a chest X-ray showed a complete resolution of the left pleural effusion with complete re-expansion of the left lung. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, Actinomycetes infections must be considered especially in front of non-solving empyema or severe pneumonia of unknown cause because in the majority of cases, with the proper treatment, the restitutio ad integrum is possible.

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“…Gazzoni ( 24 ) found that CT images obtained in cases of pulmonary actinomycosis are similar to those obtained in aspergillosis. On CT ( 25 , 26 ), a hole is seen in which the mycelium of the Actinomyces coexist with the fungus. This form of actinomycosis usually occurs in diabetic patients, and it is worth noting that the cavity in question is also visible with mycobacterium infection and neoplasia.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pulmonary actinomycosis diagnosed by transbronchoscopic lung biopsy: A case report and literature review

et al. 2018

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Pulmonary actinomycosis is a chronic, suppurative, granulomatous disease caused by Actinomyces israelii, an obligate anaerobe. The clinical manifestations and imaging characteristics of pulmonary actinomycosis lack specificity and can lead to confusion with tuberculosis and lung cancer. The present study reported a case of pulmonary actinomycosis diagnosed by transbronchoscopic lung biopsy and reviewed the literature on the disease. The clinical characteristics, signs, laboratory findings as well as progression, diagnosis and treatment in the case of pulmonary actinomycosis were analyzed. The patient was diagnosed by transbronchoscopic lung biopsy. After two weeks of antibiotic therapy, the cough was significantly improved and the patient's temperature returned to normal. Moreover, the lesion in the left lower lung was significantly smaller. Pulmonary actinomycosis is usually confused for tuberculosis and lung cancer. The present findings indicated that transbronchoscopic lung biopsy is a useful tool for diagnosing the disease. To conclude, doctors should have a clear enough understanding of the disease to prescribe empirical antibiotics and avoid unnecessary surgery.

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Pulmonary Actinomycosis in a Male Patient with a Tracheal Bronchus

Abstract: The present article reports the first documented case of actinomycosis occurring in a patient with a tracheal bronchus.

Cited by 14 publications

References 11 publications

Actinomyces and Related Organisms in Human Infections

Actinomyces and Related Organisms in Human Infections

A Strange Case of Traumatic Pleural Effusion: Pleural Empyema Due to Actinomyces meyeri, a Case Report

Pulmonary actinomycosis diagnosed by transbronchoscopic lung biopsy: A case report and literature review

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