Actinomycosis: an often forgotten diagnosis

Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2004 Jun;12(2):165-7. doi: 10.1177/021849230401200218.

Abstract

We report a case of actinomycosis presenting as a chest wall mass in a 35 year-old man. Thoracic actinomycosis poses a diagnostic challenge to clinicians not only because it is uncommon and often forgotten, but also because culture of the causative microbes is technically difficult. The classic microscopic appearance of this Gram-positive bacteria associated with surrounding sulfur granules often forms the basis of diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actinomycosis / diagnosis*
  • Actinomycosis / microbiology
  • Actinomycosis / surgery
  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pleural Effusion / diagnosis
  • Pleural Effusion / microbiology
  • Pleural Effusion / surgery
  • Propionibacterium
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted
  • Thorax / microbiology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed