Unusual manifestations of thoracic actinomycosis

Abstract

Unusual manifestations of thoracic actinomycosis EVERT. RANDALL BENTLEY, DO DAVID OSTRANSKY, DO Actinomycosis is a chronic, suppurative bacterial infection characterized by multiple abscesses, sinus tracts, fibrosis, and granulation involving the face, neck, thorax, or abdomen. Thoracic actinomycosis probably results from aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions. Its description in the literature is extensive. Reported herein are two cases of thoracic actinomycosis with unusual manifestations exemplifying the organism's lack of regard for fascial planes. The authors present a comprehensive review of actinomycosis in order to encourage early diagnosis. The importance of bedside examination and inspection of available material stained by Gram's method are emphasized. Computed tomography scanning is a useful adjunct for assessing the anatomic extent of this disease.

Endocarditis infecciosa actinomicótica de la válvula mitral: Caso de autopsia y revisión de la literatura

“…La mayoría de los casos de actinomicosis cardíaca descritos son secundarios a otro foco [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] , frecuentemente éste es bucal, correspondiendo a una períodontitis o abscesos radiculares 16 , o a focos pulmonares. El miocardio es el sitio de compromiso más frecuente; sólo en raras ocasiones hay extensión al pericardio y endocardio [17][18][19][20][21][22][23] .…”

Actinomycosis presenting as superior vena cava syndrome in a young puerperal woman

“…2,3 Thoracic pain is considered the first symptom in many cases, 2 but the examination and inspection of available material stained by direct microscopy is crucial. 4 Thoracic actinomycosis is attributed to the aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions. 3,4 The usual mechanism of the thoracic variety is by infection of the lung.…”

“…4 Thoracic actinomycosis is attributed to the aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions. 3,4 The usual mechanism of the thoracic variety is by infection of the lung. In the presented case, atelectasis of the middle lobe and pleural effusion suggest pulmonary infection.…”

Die fremdkörperinduzierte thorakale Actinomykose als Differentialdiagnose der mediastinalen Raumforderung

“…Anamnestisch kommen gehäuft cariöse Zähne und Alkoholmiûbrauch vor [5,8,14,16,20]. Teilweise charakterisieren die bakteriologische Kultur und die Gramfärbung des verfügbaren Materials den Erreger [2,11,13]. Voraussetzung sind anaerobe Gewebeverhältnisse und gewebefermentative Wirkung von Begleitkeimen.…”