Thoracic actinomycosis

Mymensingh Med J. 2004 Jan;13(1):88-90.

Abstract

Thoracic actinomycosis represents about one-fourth of all cases of the disease. Isolated pleural effusion due to Actinomycosis is rare. We report a case of right sided pleural effusion with discharging sinus in the right anterior chest wall. Actinomycosis was suspected and confirmed by microscopic identification of "sulfur granules" in the discharge of the sinus tract and also identification of gram-positive filamentous bacteria in the specimen of discharging sinus. The patient improved clinically and radiologically after treatment with intravenous penicillin G followed by oral penicillin and aspiration of pleural fluid.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Actinomycosis / complications*
  • Actinomycosis / diagnosis*
  • Actinomycosis / drug therapy
  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Lung Diseases / drug therapy
  • Lung Diseases / microbiology
  • Male
  • Penicillins / therapeutic use
  • Pleural Effusion / etiology*

Substances

  • Penicillins