Thoracic actinomycosis in children: case report and review of the literature

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2008 Feb;27(2):165-9. doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e3181598353.

Abstract

Thoracic actinomycosis is uncommon, indolent, and often not considered in children with chest wall masses, pneumonia, or empyema. We present a 27-month-old girl without risk factors for thoracic actinomycosis whose initial diagnosis was malignancy. She recovered completely after lobectomy, debridement, and antimicrobial therapy. Literature review since 1975 identified 54 additional cases; most were male, older, and had underlying risk factors.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actinomycosis / diagnosis*
  • Actinomycosis / therapy
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / microbiology*