Cryptogenic HACEK (Haemophilus, Aggregatibacter, Cardiobacterium, Eikenella, and Kingella) CNS Abscess in an Otherwise Healthy Patient With a Patent Foramen Ovale.

Actinomyces and HACEK (Haemophilus, Aggregatibacter, Cardiobacterium, Eikenella, and Kingella) organisms are part of the oral microbiome and rarely affect the central nervous system (CNS). CNS infections with these agents can be caused by contiguous or hematogenous spread. We present a case of a 25-year-old immunocompetent male who presented with a one-week history of progressively worsening generalized headaches, photophobia, nausea, and vomiting. Despite a normal physical exam and the absence of leukocytosis, head imaging showed a right frontal lobe abscess. The patient was started empirically on vancomycin, ceftriaxone, and metronidazole, and surgery was performed. Surgical cultures grew organisms from the HACEK spectrum (Aggregatibacter, Eikenella), Gemella morbillorum, Streptococcus constellatus, and Actinomyces georgiae. Serial imaging studies showed a rapid increase in the size of the residual abscess, and the patient needed repeat intervention within five days. He was discharged five days after the repeat surgery on IV therapy prior to the transition to oral antibiotics. While the patient was found to have a small patent foramen ovale, there was no evidence of bacteremia or valvular vegetation, and no evidence of dental or sinus disease was seen on imaging. This case suggests that even in the absence of any clear sources of infection, cryptogenic brain abscesses can still occur sporadically in young, healthy patients.

Alveolar Bone Actinomycosis Affecting a Pediatric Patient: Diagnosis and Conservative Management.

Actinomycosis is a rare infection that involves soft and bone tissues caused by gram-positive, anaerobic filamentous bacteria, usually Actinomyces israelii. About 3% of all cases affect children. Not uncommonly, actinomycosis is initially diagnosed as neoplasm or other granulomatous diseases. Paediatric actinomycosis affecting the jaws is rare. To date, 20 and 1 case affecting the mandible and maxilla, respectively, have been reported. A 4-year-old girl was referred presenting an extensive symptomatic ulcerative lesion with bone exposure in the posterior region of the right maxilla two months ago. One month before, she has been diagnosed with scarlet fever. The lesion progressed, damaging the supporting periodontal tissue. After surgical removal of necrotic bone and deciduous molar, the microscopy revealed actinomycosis, which showed excellent healing after local treatment with hydrogen peroxide solution and adequate oral hygiene. Although actinomycosis of the jaws affecting pediatric patients is rare, paediatric dentists must be aware of their clinicopathological characteristics, with therapeutic and prognostic impact.

Challenging Diagnosis of Abdominal Actinomycosis: A Case Report of a 59-Year-Old Male With Acute Appendicitis-Like Presentation.

Abdominal actinomycosis, a rare and often misdiagnosed condition caused by Actinomyces israelii, typically a commensal organism in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract, can become pathogenic, leading to chronic granulomatous infections that mimic various abdominal pathologies, including malignancies. We present a case of a 59-year-old male with coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes who presented with severe abdominal pain, initially diagnosed as acute appendicitis. During exploratory laparotomy, an ileocecal band mimicking a congenital anomaly was discovered. Histopathological examination confirmed abdominal actinomycosis, revealing clusters of Actinomyces bacteria surrounded by acute inflammatory cells. The patient was successfully treated with surgical intervention and prolonged penicillin therapy, with no recurrence during a four-month follow-up. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by abdominal actinomycosis and emphasizes the importance of considering it in the differential diagnosis of abdominal masses and appendicitis-like symptoms.

Navigating Challenges in Cervicofacial Actinomycosis: A Case of Diagnostic Persistence and Multidisciplinary Collaboration.

Actinomycosis is a rare, chronic bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species, characterized by granulomatous inflammation, abscesses, and sinus tracts. It primarily affects the cervicofacial region and often mimics other conditions such as malignancies or tuberculosis, complicating early diagnosis and treatment. This case report details an 18-year-old male with no known comorbidities, who presented with a two-week history of facial swelling, trismus, and discharging fistulas following an insect bite. The delay in seeking medical attention was due to initial symptom subsidence and challenges in accessing care. Diagnostic difficulties arose from inconclusive pus cultures and the lack of specialist resources at our facility. An incisional biopsy and subsequent histopathological examination revealed basophilic Gram-positive, non-acid fast filamentous bacteria and the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon, ultimately confirming actinomycosis. This case highlights the necessity of including actinomycosis in the differential diagnosis of facial infections and demonstrates the value of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex cases with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Actinomycosis of the Forearm: An Unusual Presentation of an Early Event.

Actinomycosis is a rare chronic infectious disease, most commonly affecting the cervicofacial, pulmonary, or genitourinary areas. It is caused by the Actinomyces spp. bacteria, which are facultative anaerobes and gram-positive, nonsporing rods. The disease is characterized by the formation of cold abscesses or fistulas, as well as granulomatous tissue, reactive fibrosis, and necrosis, which can resemble local malignancy. Cutaneous actinomycosis in the trunk or extremities is extremely rare and is usually related to previous surgical procedures or trauma. However, we report one such rare case of cutaneous actinomycosis of the forearm without previous precipitating factors, which was successfully treated with prolonged antibiotherapy.

Renal Actinomycosis in Humans-A Narrative Review.

Actinomycosis of the kidney is extremely rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature. This rare entity usually presents with common clinical manifestations and non-specific imaging findings, thus rendering its diagnosis extremely challenging. According to case reports published in the literature, fever was present in the majority of cases (56.25%). Several risk factors have been related to the development of renal actinomycosis, including a history of urogenital surgery, urolithiasis, or urogenital cancer. Initial diagnostic investigation consists of abdominal ultrasonography (15 patients, 46.88%) and abdominal computed tomography (23 patients, 48.15%). Regarding therapeutic approach, 5 patients (16.67%) received only antibiotic treatment, 5 patients (16.67%) underwent surgery, and 20 patients (66.67%) received both antibiotic and surgical treatment. Accurate diagnosis relies on the clinician's high index of suspicion and is ultimately confirmed through histological examination or cultures, obtained either preoperatively via biopsies or postoperatively after surgical removal of the infected kidney. To our knowledge, this is the first narrative review of the literature that collects knowledge concerning infection of UUT induced by dysbiosis of actinomycosis species. The aim of this narrative review was to systematically search the literature on primary renal actinomycosis, highlighting the diagnostic approach and treatment strategies for the management of this rare entity.

Rapidly progressive pulmonary actinomycosis.

This clinical image documents a rare case of rapidly progressive pulmonary actinomycosis in a patient initially seen in lung cancer clinic. Despite radiological findings suggestive of malignancy, biopsy was consistent with a diagnosis of actinomycosis. The patient responded well to prolonged antibiotics with significant clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering actinomycosis even in rapidly progressive cases and emphasises the need for tissue diagnosis in patients with suspected lung cancer.

Pulmonary actinomycosis misdiagnosed as lung cancer: a case report.

Pulmonary actinomycosis is a rare pulmonary infectious disease that is often challenging to diagnose early and has a high misdiagnosis rate. In some cases, it can be particularly difficult to distinguish pulmonary actinomycosis from lung cancer. We herein report a rare case of pulmonary actinomycosis in which the preoperative examinations strongly suggested lung cancer, leading to the patient undergoing right upper lung resection and bronchoplasty. The patient had a good postoperative recovery; however, the postoperative pathology report indicated pulmonary actinomycosis. In this report, we summarize the key aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary actinomycosis to aid clinicians in reducing the likelihood of misdiagnosis.

Case Report: Acute large bowel obstruction with actinomycosis of the sigmoid colon mimicking neoplasm.

Introduction: Actinomycosis is an uncommon inflammatory bacterial disease caused by Actinomyces species, especially Actinomyces Israeli. Abdominopelvic forms are relatively rare and may involve the colon as a solid mass, mimicking a malignant tumor. Case presentation: A 68-year-old Tunisian man, with a history of diabetes, hypertension, penicillin allergy, and renal failure, presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain, vomiting, and bowel obstruction. CT scan showed an acute intestinal obstruction upstream with obstructive tissular mass at the sigmoid colon. Emergency surgery revealed a sigmoid mass and a pre-perforative cecum. Total colectomy was performed, with ileostomy and distal end closure. Histological examination confirmed Actinomyces infection. The patient was then placed on long-term doxycycline and Bactrim, with no recurrence over a 9-month follow-up period. Conclusion: Abdominal actinomycosis, though rare, presents diagnostic challenges. It can be mistaken for malignancy, leading to unnecessary surgery in non-complicated cases, since it is effectively treated by antibiotics. In complicated cases, a combined approach involving both surgery and antibiotic therapy is necessary until the infection is completely eradicated.

An actinomycosis infection resembling peritoneal dissemination of rectal cancer: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Actinomycosis is a suppurative and granulomatous inflammation commonly caused by Actinomyces israelii. Due to its rarity and the paucity of characteristic clinical features, diagnosis of intra-abdominal actinomycosis is challenging, especially when the patient has a treatment history of abdominal cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient is a 72-year-old man who has a history of multiple abdominal surgeries for rectal cancer, including low anterior resection for primary rectal cancer, partial hepatic resection for metachronous liver metastasis, and Hartmann surgery for local recurrence. The patient has also undergone parastomal hernia repair using the Sugarbaker method. One year after hernia repair, computed tomography (CT) identified a mass lesion between the abdominal wall and the mesh, suggesting the possibility of peritoneal recurrence of rectal cancer. The accumulation of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) was evident via positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT), while tumor marker levels were within the normal range. On laparotomy, the small intestine, abdominal wall, mesh, colon, and stoma were observed to be associated with the mass lesion, and en bloc resection was carried out. However, postoperative histopathological examination revealed an actinomyces infection without any cancerous cells. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the challenges faced by surgeons regarding preoperative diagnosis of actinomycosis, especially when it occurs after the resection of abdominal cancer. Also, this case reminds us of the importance of a histopathological examination for abdominal masses or nodules before starting chemotherapy.

Confused Images Confused Eyes: A Case of Ultrasound Misdiagnosis of Pelvic Actinomycosis.

This article introduces a case of pelvic actinomycosis, which is easily confused with an ovarian malignant tumor. These images are from a 52-year-old woman who was admitted to hospital with difficulty defecating. Colonoscopy and biopsy indicated inflammatory changes within the intestinal tract, but the anti-inflammatory treatment was not effective. Later, she was readmitted due to abdominal pain and emaciation, and laboratory findings revealed mild anemia and inflammation. Various tumor markers are normal. CT suggested inflammatory lesions in the sigmoid colon and upper rectum. PET-CT considered a high metabolic mass originating from the mesentery. Ultrasound scan revealed a mixed-echo mass adjacent to the right side of the uterus, poorly demarcated from the rectum and right ovary, suggesting a neoplastic lesion. A biopsy of the right ovarian mass indicated suppurative inflammation, with negative antacid staining and microscopic observation of yellowish sulfur granules, suggestive of Actinomyces infection. Following a 12-month treatment regimen involving the removal of an intrauterine device and administration of penicillin, the patient's condition markedly improved. Pelvic actinomycosis is usually characterized by abdominal pain accompanied by an abdominal mass, which is often related to an intrauterine device (IUD), and is very difficult to distinguish from pelvic tumors and tuberculosis, so it is necessary for doctors to understand its clinical and imaging features.

An invasive and diffuse cranial actinomycosis with a dura-based mass mimicking a brain tumor: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Actinomycosis is a chronic suppurative infection caused by non-spore-forming, anaerobic, and filamentous gram-positive bacteria. Primary central nervous system involvement is rare, with no specific clinical features, causing a clinical diagnostic dilemma. Imaging can help in localizing and characterizing the lesion; however, a definitive diagnosis relies on culture and/or histopathology. OBSERVATIONS: The authors describe a 29-year-old male farmer with a rare case of invasive and diffuse cranial actinomycosis with a dura-based mass mimicking a brain tumor. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a moderately enhanced right frontoparietal infiltrative dura-based mass with marked thickening of the skull and multiple scalp actinomycotic abscesses. He underwent microsurgical excision of the mass, orbital decompression, and debridement of the scalp abscess. Histopathology confirmed actinomycosis, and his postoperative course was uneventful. LESSONS: Invasive and diffuse cranial actinomycosis with a dura-based actinomycetoma is a rare presentation that poses a diagnostic challenge due to its nonspecific manifestations. Imaging is helpful in localizing and characterizing the lesion; however, histopathology remains the gold standard for diagnosing actinomycosis. A high index of suspicion is also warranted in patients with predisposing factors to promote an early diagnosis and the initiation of appropriate treatments to improve functional recovery and limit residual deficits. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24210.

Pulmonary actinomycosis masquerading as lung cancer.

Pulmonary actinomycosis is a rare chronic purulent granulomatous disease, which can be easily misdiagnosed as lung cancer, tuberculosis, and other diseases. However, diagnosis relies on histopathological evidence, and early diagnosis is conducive to the patient's recovery. In this study, a case of a 70-year-old man with a soft tissue density mass at the right lower lung was studied, with initial chest CT suggesting lung cancer, pulmonary actinomycosis was confirmed by subsequent pathological biopsy of lung tissues eventually. The patient responded well to antibiotics treatment. This paper is to explore the clinical characteristics of the disease, providing insight into the disease, and its diagnosis and treatment.

A case of Winkia neuii (Actinomyces neuii) vertebral osteomyelitis and review of the literature.

This case report presents an unusual occurrence of Winkia (Actinomyces) neuii vertebral osteomyelitis in a 55-year-old male patient with diabetes mellitus. W. neuii is a distinct species formerly placed within the Actinomyces genus, exhibiting unique morphological and clinical characteristics. Vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Actinomyces species is rare, with only one prior case reported in the literature. The patient was successfully managed with a combination of intravenous ceftriaxone during hospitalization and an oral antibiotic regimen for an extended period. This case report contributes to the limited body of knowledge surrounding W. neuii, as well as actinomycotic vertebral osteomyelitis.

Rheumatoid arthritis complicated with cervical actinomycosis and ureteral obstruction: A case report and literature review. / ç±»é£Žæ¹¿å ³èŠ‚ç‚Žåˆå¹¶å®«é¢ˆæ”¾çº¿èŒç— åŠè¾“å°¿ç®¡æ¢—é˜»1ä¾‹å¹¶æ–‡çŒ®å¤ä¹ .

Actinomycosis is a rare chronic granulomatous disease characterized by granuloma formation and tissue fibrosis with sinus tracts, often misdiagnosed due to its similarity to many infectious and non-infectious diseases. This report presents a case of a 60-year-old female with more than 10 years history of rheumatoid arthritis who developed actinomycosis infection after long-term treatment with immunosuppressants and biologics, including methotrexate, leflunomide, and infliximab, leading to recurrent joint pain, poorly controlled rheumatoid arthritis activity, and persistent elevation of white blood cell counts. Abdominal CT revealed a pelvic mass and right ureteral dilation. Pathological examination of cervical tissue showed significant neutrophil infiltration and sulfur granules, indicating actinomycosis. The patient received 18 months of doxycycline treatment for the infection and continued rheumatoid arthritis therapy with leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine sulfate, and tofacitinib, resulting in improved joint symptoms and normalized white blood cell counts. After 2 years of follow-up, the patient remained stable with no recurrence. This case highlights the importance of clinicians being vigilant for infections, particularly chronic, occult infections from rare pathogens, in rheumatoid arthritis patients on potent immunosuppressants and biologics, advocating for early screening and diagnosis.

Adenomatous hyperplasia induced by chronic cherry pit retention mimicking an endobronchial tumor-case series and systematic review of literature.

Introduction: Endobronchial foreign body aspiration is not common in adults, but it is a life-threatening event. Recurrent pneumonias by chronic retention of foreign body often lead to initial medical presentation of the patient. However, lymphoplasmacellular bronchitis with adenomatous hyperplasia and squamous epithelium metaplasia with complete or partial blockage of lobar bronchus mimicking lung tumor is rare in literature, and this particular condition is often misdiagnosed. Case presentation: we report our experience in the diagnostic and management of two elderly patients with recurrent pneumonia, admitted in hospital for further examination. In both patients, with no history of aspiration, the cherry pit was detected during bronchoscopy and recanalization with flexible cryoprobe, surrounded by purulent secretion, occluding completely the right upper lobe in the first case, and partially the left lower lobe associated with persistent actinomycosis in the second case, with signs of local inflammation, bronchial adenomatous hyperplasia mimicking lung tumor at initial bronchoscopic examination. Histology showed a lymphoplasmacellullar bronchitis with adenomatous hyperplasia and squamous epithelium metaplasia because of chronic retention of foreign body. Conclusion: Bronchoscopy examination should be considered in cases where there is an unresolved chronic cough with recurrent pneumonia or persistent actinomycosis in patients with high risk. Cryoprobe is a safe and feasible approach for treatment of airway obstructions due to chronic foreign body retention. Furthermore, relevant findings are discussed here, along with a review of the pathologic alterations and treatment modalities seen in chronic retention of foreign body and airway injury.

Abdominal actinomycosis presented as acute abdomen with intra-abdominal multiple tumors: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Actinomycosis, a rare infection caused by Actinomyces spp., typically presents as a chronic condition affecting various regions, particularly the cervicofacial, thoracic, and abdominal areas. Its diagnosis is often difficult due to symptom overlap with malignancies and other infections. This report details a case of abdominal actinomycosis mimicking multiple intra-abdominal tumors, complicating diagnosis and treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old male with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes presented with generalized abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and significant weight loss. Physical examination revealed distention and severe abdominal tenderness. Laboratory tests showed leukocytosis and anemia. Diagnostic laparotomy revealed multiple intra-abdominal tumors. Histopathology confirmed actinomycosis without malignancy or tuberculosis. Intravenous amoxicillin was started; however, the patient discharged himself against medical advice after two days due to personal reasons unrelated to his treatment plan. He returned three months later with persistent abdominal pain and additional hepatic lesions. Extended antibiotic therapy for 12 months led to the resolution of symptoms during follow-up. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Abdominal actinomycosis is rare and often associated with conditions like diabetes. This case underscores the infection's potential to mimic malignancy and highlights the need for considering actinomycosis in differential diagnoses of acute abdomen, especially in immunocompromised patients. The patient's uncontrolled diabetes likely contributed to the infection's development and spread. CONCLUSION: Abdominal actinomycosis can present acutely, mimicking neoplastic diseases with multiple intra-abdominal masses. Early recognition and prolonged antibiotic therapy are essential to prevent systemic spread, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Clinicians should consider actinomycosis in patients with poorly controlled diabetes and abdominal symptoms.

Endometritis por Actinomyces en una adolescente: a propósito de un caso / Actinomyces endometritis in an adolescent girl: a case report

La actinomicosis pélvica es una infección poco común del tracto genital inferior y la pelvis. La especie causal más frecuente es la bacteria Actinomyces israelii, y se debe sospechar en toda paciente que presente dolor crónico pélvico y hemorragia uterina. Aunque se manifiesta excepcionalmente en mujeres sin antecedentes de portar dispositivos intrauterinos, es importante considerarla como diagnóstico. Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente de 12 años con hemorragia uterina anormal resistente al tratamiento, que requirió intervención quirúrgica, incluyendo biopsia endometrial. El diagnóstico resultante fue actinomicosis endometrial. Este caso aporta la actualización del conocimiento sobre esta rara enfermedad y su presentación poco frecuente en adolescentes(AU)

Pelvic actinomycosis is a rare infection of the lower genital tract and pelvis. The most common causative species is the bacterium Actinomyces israelii, and it should be suspected in any patient who presents with chronic pelvic pain and uterine bleeding. Although it occurs exceptionally in women without a history of carrying intrauterine devices, it is important to consider it as a diagnosis. It is presented the clinical case of a 12-year-old patient with abnormal uterine bleeding resistant to treatment, which required surgical intervention, including endometrial biopsy. The resulting diagnosis was endometrial actinomycosis. This case contributes to updating knowledge about this rare disease and its uncommon presentation in adolescents(AU)

Caught in the act - pancreatic actinomycosis masquerading as malignancy.

A 57-year-old male with a background of chronic pancreatitis presented with acutely worsening abdominal pain and vomiting. He previously had a pancreatic duct stent in situ which had been removed 1 year prior to presentation. Initially suspected to be acute-on-chronic pancreatitis, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed an atrophic pancreas and a new mass in the pancreatic head, raising the suspicion of pancreatic malignancy. An urgent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle biopsy of the pancreatic head mass surprisingly revealed the presence of actinomyces colonies on histological evaluation. Prompt initiation of a prolonged antibiotic course led to significant clinical and radiological improvement. This case highlights the rare presentation of pancreatic actinomycosis which can often masquerade as malignancy. Although a gut commensal, actinomyces can elicit pathogenic effects if allowed to enter tissues through a breach in the mucosal lining such as following abdominal surgery or pancreatic duct intervention as observed in this case. Early recognition and appropriate treatment with antibiotics can lead to clinical recovery and complete resolution of the infection.