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International Journal of Surgery Case... Jun 2024Actinomycosis is a rare, chronic bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species. While it commonly affects the cervicofacial region, thorax, and abdomen, appendicular...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Actinomycosis is a rare, chronic bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species. While it commonly affects the cervicofacial region, thorax, and abdomen, appendicular involvement is extremely uncommon. This case report details the presentation, diagnosis, and management of a 45-year-old female patient with acute appendicitis secondary to actinomycosis.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 45-year-old woman, with an 8-year intrauterine device history, presented with three-day right iliac fossa pain, vomiting, and stable vital signs. Laboratory tests revealed an inflammatory syndrome. Suspecting acute appendicitis, a CT scan confirmed a swollen 10 mm appendix. Laparoscopic surgery revealed a phlegmonous appendix, leading to an uncomplicated appendectomy. Pathological examination confirmed actinomycotic granules, supporting the diagnosis of actinomycosis appendicitis. The patient received 18 million units of intravenous penicillin G daily for 6 weeks followed by a 6-month course of oral amoxicillin (1 g three times daily) thereafter, showing favorable progression with no symptoms. Normal clinical and ultrasound follow-ups were observed at one year.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Appendiceal actinomycosis is a rare condition. Women, especially those with intrauterine contraceptives, experience an increase in cases due to chronic inflammation. Typically underdiagnosed, actinomycosis mimics other conditions, presenting with nonspecific symptoms. Laboratory results offer limited assistance, and histological confirmation is crucial. Histopathological examination is mandatory for diagnosis confirmation. Management involves surgical resection and prolonged penicillin-based antibiotics, providing a favorable prognosis with low mortality.
CONCLUSION
This case underscores the importance of considering rare etiologies, such as actinomycosis, in the differential diagnosis of appendicitis. Timely recognition and management are crucial for optimal patient outcomes.
PubMed: 38941730
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109975 -
Przeglad Epidemiologiczny Jun 2024Actinomycosis is a very rare, infectious disease, which is especially difficult to diagnose due to non-specific symptoms and the ability to emulate neoplasms or...
Actinomycosis is a very rare, infectious disease, which is especially difficult to diagnose due to non-specific symptoms and the ability to emulate neoplasms or inflammatory changes. Due to those facts, it is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late to be successfully treated. This article presents the case of 31-year-old Caucasian female with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections and tonsillitis as the potential risk factors of actinomycosis. Upon examination of material collected through the course of tonsillectomy, the patient was diagnosed with actinomycosis of the left palatine tonsil. Despite the introduction of antibiotic therapy, initial progression was noted with the appearance of numerous, hypodense changes in the liver and the spleen, which regressed during further antibiotic treatment. According to our team's knowledge, this is the first described case of a patient with actinomycosis occurring simultaneously in the cervico-facial and abdominal area. The unusual localization and potential dissemination of actinomycosis should be considered in clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Actinomycosis; Tonsillitis; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Actinomycosis, Cervicofacial; Abdomen
PubMed: 38904308
DOI: 10.32394/pe.77.50 -
BMJ Case Reports Jun 2024Actinomycosis is a rare endogenous infection characterised by indolent progression, contiguous spreading, abscess formation and draining sinuses. Here, we present a case...
Actinomycosis is a rare endogenous infection characterised by indolent progression, contiguous spreading, abscess formation and draining sinuses. Here, we present a case of causing a mediastinal abscess that is unique in its acuity and location. Our patient presented with worsening dysphagia, and CT of her chest revealed a new mass in the posterior mediastinum displacing the oesophagus. Oesophagram revealed mild motility disorder, but no masses or ulcers within the oesophagus. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy with endoscopic ultrasound revealed extrinsic compression of the oesophagus. Fine-needle aspiration of the mass yielded purulent fluid, which was cultured. A single colony of was isolated. Initially, medical treatment was favoured, but as she developed worsening dysphagia, the abscess was drained. She continued on long-term antibiotic therapy after drainage and had complete resolution of the abscess at 1 year.
Topics: Humans; Female; Actinomycosis; Deglutition Disorders; Mediastinal Diseases; Immunocompromised Host; Diagnosis, Differential; Abscess; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Drainage; Middle Aged; Mediastinum
PubMed: 38890117
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-258996 -
Clinical Advances in Periodontics Jun 2024Actinomycosis can be caused by periapical endodontic infection, trauma, or surgical dental procedures. Due to its rare occurrence in a healthy adult patient, persistent...
BACKGROUND
Actinomycosis can be caused by periapical endodontic infection, trauma, or surgical dental procedures. Due to its rare occurrence in a healthy adult patient, persistent actinomycotic osteomyelitis around implants presenting as severe peri-implantitis may be challenging to diagnose.
METHODS
A 26-year-old male patient with non-contributory medical history presented to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic in 2018 with pain and edema associated with endodontically treated maxillary premolar teeth with poor prognosis. Oral examination revealed fair oral hygiene, heavily restored dentition, multiple carious teeth, failing restorations, endodontic treatments in both maxillary quadrants, and normal periodontal examination.
RESULTS
Two years following extractions and restoration with implants, the patient returned with a bony sequestrum and fistula in the buccal gingiva adjacent to the implants. The patient reported shifting of implants and slight change in his occlusion. Clinical, radiographic, and endodontic examinations did not demonstrate a clear origin of the fistula. A periodontist was consulted regarding the possibility of peri-implantitis and tracing of the fistula suggested intraosseous involvement of the implant surface. Flap surgery, biopsy, culture, implant removal, and surgical debridement were performed. Histologic examination revealed colonies of actinomycotic organisms and confirmed likely diagnosis of actinomycosis. The patient was placed on a long course of penicillin VK.
CONCLUSIONS
The occurrence of actinomycosis in a healthy adult patient is rare. This case report describes persistent actinomycosis presenting as osteomyelitis with severe peri-implantitis in a healthy patient, which may have been associated with a previously existing periapical endodontic infection.
PubMed: 38884882
DOI: 10.1002/cap.10295 -
Radiology Case Reports Aug 2024Actinomycosis is a rare chronic suppurative granulomatous disease. Surgical biopsy is often performed in patients with chest actinomycosis because malignancy is...
Actinomycosis is a rare chronic suppurative granulomatous disease. Surgical biopsy is often performed in patients with chest actinomycosis because malignancy is suspected in most cases. A 62-year-old man presented to our hospital with fever and exertional dyspnea that had persisted for several months. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed an irregularly shaped mass with contrast enhancement in the anterior mediastinum and consolidation in the left upper lung lobe contiguous with this mass, as well as multiple nodules in both lungs. The pulmonary artery trunk was stenotic and surrounded by the mass, and the right heart system was enlarged. Thoracoscopic biopsy was performed but failed to yield a diagnosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography after one month revealed an increased mass and worsening right heart strain. F-FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) positron emission tomography/computed tomography and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging also suggested a malignant tumor, and an open chest biopsy was performed. No malignant cells were identified and actinomycetes were detected by histopathology and bacterial culture. The patient was treated with antibiotics, following which his contrast-enhanced computed tomography findings and general condition improved.
PubMed: 38860267
DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.05.001 -
Veterinary Pathology Jun 2024Slaughterhouse inspections play a crucial role in the sanitary control of zoonoses and foodborne diseases. This study aimed to identify and analyze the frequencies of...
Slaughterhouse inspections play a crucial role in the sanitary control of zoonoses and foodborne diseases. This study aimed to identify and analyze the frequencies of lymph node diseases in cattle slaughtered for human consumption, using the samples sent to the anatomic pathology service of the Federal Laboratory for Agricultural Defense (), Minas Gerais, Brazil, from January 2015 to September 2022. In total, 2000 lymph node samples were analyzed, and additional information was individually retrieved. Lesions were most frequently identified in thoracic lymph nodes. Bacterial isolation and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were performed using samples suspected of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis cases accounted for 89.3% of the samples. Histopathology was more sensitive than other ancillary tests for diagnosing tuberculosis. Paraffin-embedded tissues from lymphoma cases were subjected to immunophenotyping using anti-CD3 and anti-CD79a immunohistochemistry. Frozen and/or paraffin-embedded tissues from lymphoma cases were used to identify the enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) retrovirus through qPCR. Other diagnoses included primary (T- and B-cell lymphoma) and metastatic neoplasms (squamous cell carcinoma, pulmonary adenocarcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, undifferentiated adenocarcinoma, undifferentiated sarcoma, undifferentiated round cell tumor, mesothelioma, hepatic carcinoid, meningioma, and seminoma), actinogranulomas (pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis [actinobacillosis and actinomycosis]), idiopathic lymphadenitis (neutrophilic and/or histiocytic, granulomatous, and suppurative), and miscellaneous nonspecific lymphadenopathies (depletion/lymphoid atrophy, lymphangiectasia, erythrocyte drainage, parasitic eosinophilic lymphadenitis, follicular hyperplasia, and toxic granulomatous lymphadenitis). The combination of histopathology with complementary techniques is important for successful diagnosis, especially in complex cases of high epidemiological, economic, and zoosanitary importance, such as tuberculosis and EBL.
PubMed: 38859800
DOI: 10.1177/03009858241257908 -
Clinical Case Reports Jun 2024Bronchopulmonary sequestration, a rare congenital anomaly, involves a nonfunctioning lung tissue mass supplied by anomalous vessels. It is rarely infected by...
Bronchopulmonary sequestration, a rare congenital anomaly, involves a nonfunctioning lung tissue mass supplied by anomalous vessels. It is rarely infected by Actinomyces, further complicating the clinical presentation, with limited reported cases. This case highlights the distinctive clinical aspects, diagnostic challenges, and successful management strategies of such a rare clinical entity.
PubMed: 38845797
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8984 -
Indian Dermatology Online Journal 2024Actinomycosis is a chronic suppurative bacterial infection commonly seen in the tropics, caused by gram-positive, anaerobic bacilli of the genus . There are very few...
Actinomycosis is a chronic suppurative bacterial infection commonly seen in the tropics, caused by gram-positive, anaerobic bacilli of the genus . There are very few reported cases of primary cutaneous actinomycosis. It can mimic mycetoma, tuberculosis, nocardiosis, and botryomycosis. A high index of clinical suspicion is required for diagnosis in the absence of sinuses. Even with repeated attempts, cultures are mostly negative; and hence, histology reveals the diagnosis in most cases. Here, we report an unusual case of primary cutaneous actinomycosis in a 21-year-old female patient, following a road traffic accident (RTA). A positive Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon and special stains demonstrated the ray fungus and helped us reach the diagnosis. The patient was started on oral penicillin G and showed good response.
PubMed: 38845663
DOI: 10.4103/idoj.idoj_276_23 -
Radiology Case Reports Aug 2024Mycetoma, commonly known as Madura foot, is a chronic and progressively destructive granulomatous disease caused by a fungus or anaerobic filamentous bacteria that...
Mycetoma, commonly known as Madura foot, is a chronic and progressively destructive granulomatous disease caused by a fungus or anaerobic filamentous bacteria that affects the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and bones primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, with males between the ages of 20-40 having occupational exposure to outdoor environments, such as farming, predominantly affected. It is one of the World Health Organization's 17 "neglected tropical diseases," characterized by a clinical trial of localized mass-like soft tissue injury with draining sinuses that discharge grains of infectious material. Here, we present a case report of a 40-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus and a history of fieldwork, who exhibited early manifestations of mycetoma. Unlike the typical diffuse presentation seen in advanced cases, this patient's early presentation prompted diagnostic challenges due to its atypical nature. We highlight the importance of recognizing the early signs of mycetoma, particularly in individuals with predisposing factors such as diabetes and occupational exposure. Diagnostic dilemmas may arise, leading to potential misdiagnosis. Additionally, we emphasize the crucial role of biopsy in confirming the diagnosis, alongside imaging techniques, to facilitate timely intervention and management, thereby significantly impacting patient outcomes.
PubMed: 38827041
DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.05.007 -
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious... Aug 2024Whipple's disease is a chronic systemic infectious disease that mainly affects the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, Tropheryma whipplei can cause infection at the...
Whipple's disease is a chronic systemic infectious disease that mainly affects the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, Tropheryma whipplei can cause infection at the implant site or even throughout the body. In this study, we collected alveolar lavage fluid samples from patients with Tropheryma whipplei from 2020 to 2022, and retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of Tropheryma whipplei positive patients. Patient's past history, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, chest CT findings, treatment, and prognosis were recorded. 16 BALFs (70/1725, 4.0 %) from 16 patients were positive for Tropheryma whipplei. 8 patients were male with an average age of 50 years. The main clinical symptoms of patients included fever (9/16), cough (7/16), dyspnea (7/16), and expectoration (5/16), but neurological symptoms and arthralgia were rare. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were the most common comorbidity (n=8). The main laboratory characteristics of the patient are red blood cell count, hemoglobin, total protein and albumin below normal levels (11/16), and/or creatinine above normal levels(14/16). Most chest computed tomography mainly show focal or patchy heterogeneous infection (n=5) and pleural effusion (n=8). Among the 6 samples, Tropheryma whipplei was the sole agent, and Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common detected other pathogens. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing technology has improved the detection rate and attention of Tropheryma whipplei. Further research is needed to distinguish whether Tropheryma whipplei present in respiratory samples is a pathogen or an innocent bystander.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Female; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Tropheryma; Retrospective Studies; Whipple Disease; Metagenomics; Aged; Adult
PubMed: 38805857
DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116374