A Case of Lung Abscess Caused by Pulmonary Actinomycosis

ABSTRACT

Actinomycosis is a slowly progressive and indolent infectious disease characterized by acute suppurative inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis. It usually occurs in cervicofacial, abdominopelvic, and pulmonary areas. Pulmonary actinomycosis accounts for 15%–20% of total cases and is often accompanied by empyema, necrosis, and pleural effusion. Its clinical manifestations and radiologic features are nonspecific unfortunately. We report a case of lung abscess caused by pulmonary actinomycosis in a 53-year-old man, presented with fever, chilling, myalgia, and hemoptysis for 15 days. The plain chest radiograph showed a mass-like lesion in the left upper lung field. The computed tomography scan revealed mass-like infiltration with a huge cavity and central necrosis. Microscopic examination of the lung specimen showed Gram-positive sulfur granules and was consistent with pulmonary actinomycosis.