[Pulmonary atinomycosis: a great clinical polymorphism]

Tunis Med. 2011 Apr;89(4):386-90.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary actinomycosis is a rare bacteriological disease, caracterized by local suppuration and an extensive fibroinflammatory process, with a possible pseudotumoral outcome.

Aim: To report a new observation of a pulmonary actinomycosis.

Case report: A 52-year-old patient, smoker, admitted in our department for infectious pneumopathy complicated by purulent pleurisy. Clinical and radiological findings were not contributive.Fiberoptic had evocate the diagnosis of bronchopulmonary cancer. Evolution had been marqued by abondant hemoptysia indicating right low lobectomie. The diagnosis of actinomycosis was obtained by the pathology of the surgical resection.

Conclusion: Diagnosis of pulmonary actinomycosis can be difficult because it can mimic the presentation of lung carcinoma.If the diagnosis is no late established, and if the patient is correctely treated medically, the prognosis still excellent.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Actinomyces / isolation & purification*
  • Actinomycosis / diagnosis*
  • Actinomycosis / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis
  • Lung Diseases / surgery
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged