Thoracic Actinomycosis With Infiltration of the Spine: An Oncological Pitfall

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2018 Aug;40(6):468-471. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000001035.

Abstract

Thoracic actinomycosis with involvement of the vertebral column and chest wall is rare in children and may resemble malignant tumors. A 12-year-old girl was admitted to our clinic having B-symptoms, cachexia, and painful scoliosis (Karnofsky index 20%). Imaging showed a large thoracic left-sided paravertebral tumor with infiltration of the vertebrae, destruction of the chest wall and multiple intrapulmonary nodules. Initially, Ewing sarcoma was suspected and chemotherapy started without previous biopsies. Definite diagnosis of actinomycosis was established later upon histopathologic examination and successfully treated by β-lactam antibiotics. Collectively, this case illustrates that actinomycosis can be an oncological pitfall and possible differential diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Actinomycosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Actinomycosis* / drug therapy
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Sarcoma, Ewing / diagnostic imaging
  • Sarcoma, Ewing / drug therapy
  • Spinal Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Spinal Diseases* / microbiology
  • Thoracic Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Thoracic Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Thoracic Diseases* / microbiology