Korean J Med.  2003 Nov;65(Suppl 3):S752-S756.

A case of primary endobronchial actinomycosis associated with a foreign body

• Kim SH
• Jeon MJ
• Kim GS
• Jung KS
• Lee MG
• Choi KC
• Lee SJ

Abstract

Actinomycosis is an indolent, slowly progressive infection caused by anaerobic bacteria, primarily of the genus Actinomyces, that colonize the mouth, colon, and vagina. A vital step in the development of actinomycosis is disruption of the mucosal barrier. Actinomycosis occurs most frequently at a cervicofacial, abdominal, and pelvic region. Thoracic actinomycosis usually follows an indolent progressive course with involvement of the pulmonary parenchyma and/or the pleural space. Rarely, pulmonary nodules or endobronchial lesions can occur. We report a case of a 62-year-old woman of chronic cough with sputum and pulmonary mass with consolidation at the right lower lobe on chest radiography. Fiberoptic bronchoscopic findings revealed a polypoid tumor like mass completely obstructing RLL lobar bronchus and a hard bony material embedded there. Histologic examination of the biopsy specimens demonstrated acute and chronic inflammation with calcified material and a sulfur granule, which led to the diagnosis of endobronchial actinomycosis. The patient responded to several bronchoscopic procedures and intravenous penicillin G.

Keyword

Actinomycosis; Foreign body; Bronchoscopy

MeSH Terms

Actinomyces
Actinomycosis*
Bacteria, Anaerobic
Biopsy
Bronchi
Bronchoscopy
Colon
Cough
Diagnosis
Female
Foreign Bodies*
Humans
Inflammation
Middle Aged
Mouth
Pelvis
Penicillin G
Radiography
Sputum
Sulfur
Thorax
Vagina
Penicillin G
Sulfur