Childhood thoracic actinomycosis: case report

J Pediatr Surg. 2012 Jun;47(6):e15-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2012.02.014.

Abstract

Actinomycosis is a rare bacterial infection. It has a pseudotumoral appearance when localized to the lungs or mediastinum. The diagnosis is often delayed because clinical presentation is nonspecific, bacteriologic diagnosis is difficult, and culture growth is slow. The diagnosis is mainly based upon histologic identification of actinomycotic sulfur granules. Actinomycosis is usually sensitive to penicillin G. Surgical treatment is reserved for failure of medical treatment and complications. We report a case of thoracic actinomycosis in a 13-year-old boy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Actinomycosis / diagnosis*
  • Actinomycosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Actinomycosis / drug therapy
  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Fibrosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mediastinitis / diagnosis*
  • Mediastinitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Mediastinitis / drug therapy
  • Penicillin G / therapeutic use
  • Penicillin V / therapeutic use
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Penicillin G
  • Penicillin V