Appendecular actinomycosis: A case series of 14 patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the clinical, radiological, and histological characteristics of Actinomyces infection identified in appendectomy specimens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2013 and November 2023, 5834 patients underwent appendectomy in our clinic, and their pathology reports were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Actinomyces appendicites were reported in 14 specimens (0.23%). It was determined that appendectomy was performed in only 10 patients (71.4%), ileocecal resection was performed in two patients (14.2%) and right hemicolectomy in two patients (14.2%). The operations on five patients were performed by laparoscopy, and the operations on the other nine patients were performed by open surgery. Laparoscopy was started in three patients and converted to open surgery due to suspicion of an ileocecal mass and cecal perforation. It was found that the white blood cell count of three patients was within the normal range of reference (8-9.77mg/dL); leukocytosis was detected in other patients (10.2-18.7mg/dL). C-reactive protein was normal in one patient and high in the rest of the patients. While the first-hour erythrocyte sedimentation rate was normal in five patients, it was found to be high in the other patients. Findings on radiological imaging were reported as acute appendicitis, appendicular plastron, and ileocecal mass. As a result of the pathology findings, the patients were given oral penicillin or semi-synthetic penicillin derivatives during one month. CONCLUSION: Ileocecal and appendecular actinomycosis are rare, and preoperative diagnosis is difficult. A definitive diagnosis is usually made after a histopathological examination. After surgery, long-term antimicrobial treatment of the patient is possible with penicillin.

Massive hemoptysis as a complication of pulmonary actinomycosis: a case report.

Massive hemoptysis is a rare life-threatening complication of pulmonary actinomycosis that should be treated promptly due to the risk of asphyxiation and hemodynamic instability. We present the case of a 57-year-old female who was presented to our center with massive hemoptysis. Thoracic computed tomography scan revealed a cavitated lesion with perilesional ground-glass opacity. Right lower lobectomy was then performed using uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery, excising a 13 × 12 × 8 cm cavitated lung fragment. The pathology service reported the presence of microscopical evidence of filamentous gram positive bacterial colonies, showing compatible features of pulmonary actinomycosis. The patient was discharged with oral penicillin with an uneventful post-operative course.

La hemoptisis masiva es una complicación poco frecuente de la actinomicosis pulmonar que pone en peligro la vida del paciente y que debe ser tratada con prontitud debido al riesgo de asfixia e inestabilidad hemodinámica. Presentamos una mujer de 57 años que acudió a nuestro centro con hemoptisis masiva. La tomografía reveló una cavitación con opacidad perilesional en vidrio deslustrado. Realizamos lobectomía mediante cirugía uniportal, extirpando un fragmento de lesión. Patología informó de la presencia de colonias bacterianas filamentosas grampositivas, mostrando características compatibles con actinomicosis pulmonar. El paciente fue dado de alta con penicilina oral, con un curso postoperatorio sin incidentes.

Colonic pseudotumor caused by abdominal actinomycosis: A case report.

We report a case of abdominal actinomycosis, a chronic suppurative infection caused by bacteria of the genus Actinomyces, simulating colon cancer, and presenting with abdominal pain and leukocytosis. Computed tomography revealed a mass lesion with irregular contours, infiltrative aspect, with extension to omental fat and abdominal wall, in the transverse colon. A surgical intervention was performed due to the suspicious of a colonic tumor. In the post-operative period, anatomopathological examination showed suppurative nodules associated with actinomycetes colonies, confirming the diagnosis of abdominal actinomycosis. After surgery, the patient was submitted to antibiotic treatment and no relapse was observed.

Reportamos un caso de actinomicosis abdominal, una infección supurativa crónica causada por bacterias del genero Actinomyces, que simula el cáncer de colon y se manifiesta con dolor abdominal y leucocitosis. La tomografía computada reveló una lesión sólida con contornos irregulares y aspecto infiltrativo en el colon transverso, con extensión al epiplón y la pared abdominal. La intervención quirúrgica fue realizada debido a la sospecha de un tumor de colon. En el posoperatorio, el examen anatomopatológico mostró la presencia de nódulos supurativos asociados con colonias de actinomicetos, lo que confirma el diagnóstico de actinomicosis abdominal. Posteriormente a la cirugía el paciente recibió antibioticoterapia y no presentó Recidivas.

Histopathological analysis of biopsies of "peri-implant inflammatory lesions." Everything is not what it seems.

BACKGROUND: Peri-implantitis is the inflammatory process, which most commonly affects the therapy with dental implants. However, there are other reactive and neoplastic entities, mainly benign but also malignant, which also take place in the peri-implant mucosa. There is little information about the histopathological analysis of these peri-implant inflammatory diseases. PURPOSE: To analyze the histopathological diagnosis of biopsies located in the peri-implant mucosa that showed an inflammatory clinical appearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have made a retrospective study of 111 peri-implant biopsies analyzed in the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Unit of the Dental Clinic Service at the University of the Basque Country, from January 2001 to December 2018. These samples corresponded to 84 women and 27 men, whose mean age was 59 years. We performed a standard histological processing with paraffin embedding, and sections were stained with H&E and PAS. All cases were analyzed following a specific diagnostic histopathological protocol. A descriptive statistical analysis was carried out with the obtained data. RESULTS: Lesions located in the mandible (64.8%) were more frequent and 34.2% of the biopsies arrived without a presumptive clinical diagnosis. "Inflammatory peri-implant lesion" or peri-implantitis was the most common clinical diagnosis. Histopathologically, the majority of the lesions were peri-implant nonspecific inflammatory hyperplasia (60.3%), followed by peripheral giant cell granuloma (18.1%), pyogenic granuloma (lobular capillary hemangioma) (14.4%), actinomicotic infection (3.6%), and squamous cell carcinoma (3.6%). Individually, peri-implant lesions were more common among women and in the mandible, except for actinomicotic infection and squamous cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: An important percentage of cases whose initial presumptive clinical diagnosis was "peri-implant inflammatory lesion" truly corresponded to other reactive and neoplastic processes. Thus, it is key to always submit all the tissue removed during the implant surgery, in order to perform a good histopathological study and achieve the correct final diagnosis.

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)

[Primary intestinal actinomycosis in ilium and colon. A case report and review of the literature]. / Actinomicosis primaria intestinal. Informe de un caso en íleon y colon. Revisión de la literatura.

Actinomycosis is a chronic, suppurative, inflammatory granulomatous disease caused by gram positive anaerobic filamentous bacteria of the genus Actinomyces, most frequently Actinomyces israelii. We report a case of a 42-year-old male presenting with abdominal pain, a 10kg weight loss and a fixed mass in the epigastrium. Tomography revealed dilatation of the intestinal loops and thickening of the colon walls; the coexistence of these two findings suggested a lymphoproliferative process. The tumour, ileum fragment and colon were surgically removed; these were adherent to the serosal fibro-adipose tissue. Microscopically, abundant polymorphonuclear infiltrate and grains of bacteria compatible with Actinomyces spp.were seen.

Actinomicosis pélvica

Introducción: La actinomicosis es una infección bacteriana supurativa crónica, producida por especies de Actinomyces, principalmente Actinomyces israelii. La localización en la pélvica es rara presentando el 3 % de toda la actinomicosis humana. Objetivo: Describir el caso clínico de una paciente que recibió tratamiento quirúrgico y se le diagnosticó actinomicosis pélvica sin asociación con el uso de dispositivos intrauterinos, lo que contribuye al conocimiento actual sobre una enfermedad poco frecuente. Caso clínico: Paciente femenina de 22 años de edad, color de la piel blanca, recibió tratamiento quirúrgico urgente por presentar como diagnóstico preoperatorio un absceso tubo-ovárico. Con la aplicación de anestesia general orotraqueal se realizó laparotomía exploradora, salpingooforectomía izquierda y lavado profuso de la cavidad abdominal sin complicaciones y se confirmó por el departamento de Anatomía Patológica el diagnóstico de actinomicosis pélvica. Cumplió tratamiento antimicrobiano por cuatro semanas y siete meses después de la intervención quirúrgica, se mantuvo asintomática. Conclusiones: La actinomicosis pélvica se debe sospechar en toda paciente con dolor crónico pelviano. Se manifiesta excepcionalmente en mujeres sin antecedente de ser portadoras de dispositivos intrauterinos. La presentación clínica es típicamente insidiosa por lo cual el diagnóstico con frecuencia se hace de forma tardía. Un alto índice de sospecha y una actitud diagnóstica activa son fundamentales para un tratamiento oportuno, seguro y eficaz.

Introduction: Actinomycosis is a chronic suppurative bacterial infection, produced by Actinomyces species, mainly Actinomyces israelii. Pelvic localization is extremely rare with 3% of all human actinomycosis. Objective: To describe the clinical case of a patient who received surgical treatment and was diagnosed with pelvic actinomycosis without association with the use of intrauterine devices, which contributes to current knowledge about a rare disease. Clinical case: A 22-year-old white female patient, received urgent surgical treatment for presenting as a preoperative diagnosis a tube-ovarian abscess. With the application of general orotracheal anesthesia, exploratory laparotomy, left salpingo oophorectomy and profuse washing of the abdominal cavity were performed without complications and the diagnosis of pelvic actinomycosis was confirmed by the Department of Pathological Anatomy. She completed antimicrobial treatment for four weeks and seven months after surgery, she remained asymptomatic. Conclusions: Pelvic actinomycosis is a disease that should be suspected in all patients with chronic pelvic pain, being an exceptional entity, in women with no history of being carriers of intrauterine devices. The clinical presentation is typically insidious so the diagnosis is often delayed. A high level of suspicion and an active diagnostic attitude are essential for timely, safe and effective treatment.

Quiste radicular residual / A residual radicular cyst

En la región cervicofacial los quistes de los maxilares de origen odontogénico constituyen una afección relativamente importante, los más frecuentes son los quistes radiculares. Se presentó un paciente masculino de 23 años de edad con un quiste radicular residual extenso que ocupaba la zona mandibular posterior izquierda, y acude a consulta estomatológica de la Clínica «Celia Sánchez Manduley» por un aumento de volumen que causa asimetría facial notable de la hemicara izquierda, de tres centímetros de diámetro, indoloro, asintomático, con 6 meses de evolución y consistencia dura; además refiere tratamiento de exodoncia de molar inferior en la zona (37) hace 2 años. Se indicó radiografía periapical y panorámica donde se observó zona radiolúcida bien definida de 35 a 38 con reabsorción de raíz mesial de 38, distal de 36 y movilidad dentaria grado II en ambos dientes. Se realizó exéresis de la lesión cuyo estudio histológico informó un quiste radicular residual.

Jaw cysts of odontogenic origin constitute a relatively important condition in the cervicofacial region, where radicular cysts are the most frequent. We present a 23-year-old male patient who come to "Celia Sánchez Manduley" Dental Clinic with an extensive residual radicular cyst that occupied his left posterior mandibular area and an increase in volume that caused him a notable facial asymmetry in the left side of his face, of three centimeters in diameter, painless, asymptomatic, with 6 months of evolution and hard consistency; he also mentions a lower molar extraction treatment in area (37) 2 years ago. Periapical and panoramic X-rays were indicated where a well-defined radiolucent zone of 35 to 38 was observed with mesial root resorption of 38, distal of 36 and grade II dental mobility in both teeth. Exeresis of the lesion was performed, whose histological study reported a residual radicular cyst.

Relato de caso: actinomicose mimetizando neoplasia laríngea / Case report: actinomycosis mimicking laryngeal neoplasia / Caso clínico: actinomicosis que simula una neoplasia laríngea

A actinomicose é uma infecção rara causada por bactérias do gênero Actinomyces sp. que são importantes constituintes das flora comensal de animais e humanos, colonizando a orofaringe, o trato respiratório superior, o trato gastrointestinal e o trato genital feminino. Diante de uma lesão na mucosa associada a um desequilíbrio nas defesas do organismos, as bactérias se infiltram nas estruturas, gerando uma infecção. As áreas mais comumente afetadas por esta patologia correspondem às regiões cervicofacial (50%), abdominal (20%) e torácica (15 a 20%), sendo o envolvimento laríngeo bastante raro (< 5% dos casos), com poucos casos descritos na literatura. Este estudo visa relatar o caso de um paciente de 76 anos com actinomicose mimetizando neoplasia de laringe, através da revisão do prontuário, descrevendo o quadro clínico e evidenciando os exames de imagem realizados na investigação com o objetivo de alertar os profissionais de saúde e compartilhar informações sobre esta patologia para que possa fazer parte do diagnóstico diferencial de doenças granulomatosas e infecciosas da laringe, principalmente em pacientes com mais de 50 anos, visando o diagnóstico precoce e o tratamento adequado.

Actinomycosis is a rare infection caused by bacteria of the genus Actinomyces sp. which are important constituents of the commensal flora of animals and humans, colonizing the oropharynx, the upper respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract and the female genital tract. Faced with a lesion in the mucosa associated with an imbalance in the organism's defenses, the bacteria infiltrate the structures, generating an infection. The areas most commonly affected by this pathology correspond to the cervicofacial (50%), abdominal (20%) and thoracic (15 to 20%) regions, and laryngeal involvement is quite rare (< 5% of cases), with few cases described in the literature. This study aims to report the case of a 76-year-old patient with actinomycosis mimicking laryngeal neoplasm, through the medical record review, describing the clinical picture and evidencing the imaging tests performed in the investigation with the purpose of alerting health professionals and sharing information about this pathology so that it can be part of the differential diagnosis of granulomatous and infectious diseases of the larynx, especially in patients older than 50 years, aiming at early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

La actinomicosis es una infección rara causada por bacterias del género Actinomyces sp. que son componentes importantes de la flora comensal de animales y humanos, colonizando la orofaringe, el tracto respiratorio superior, el tracto gastrointestinal y el tracto genital femenino. Ante una lesión de la mucosa asociada a un desequilibrio de las defensas del organismo, las bacterias se infiltran en las estructuras, generando una infección. Las áreas más comúnmente afectadas por esta patología corresponden a las regiones cervicofacial (50%), abdominal (20%) y torácica (15 a 20%), siendo la afectación laríngea bastante rara (< 5% de los casos), con pocos casos descritos en la literatura. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo relatar el caso de una paciente de 76 años con actinomicosis simulando neoplasia laríngea, a través de la revisión de la historia clínica, describiendo el cuadro clínico y mostrando los estudios de imagen realizados en la investigación, con el propósito de alertar a los profesionales de la salud y compartir información sobre esta patología para que forme parte del diagnóstico diferencial de las enfermedades granulomatosas e infecciosas de la laringe, particularmente en pacientes con edad superior a 50 años, con vistas al diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento adecuado.

Actinomicosis orofaríngea complicada secundaria al tratamiento farmacológico / Complicated oropharyngeal actinomycosis secondary to pharmacotherapy

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α treatment is an effective therapeutic option in intestinal inflammatory chronic disease in cases of the ineffectiveness of other drugs, but it promotes the development of opportunistic infections in their severe forms, due to the profound suppression of T-cell mediated immunity it produces. Among the most frequent are bacterial granulomatous infections, such as mycobacteria (especially tuberculosis), and fungal infections. Actinomycosis is a rare suppurative granulomatous chronic opportunistic infection, which in states of immunosuppression, such as the one caused after treatment with TNF blockers, is complicated by more severe clinical pictures.We present the clinical case, not previously described, of cervicofacial actinomycosis complicated with pneumonia, secondary to treatment with adalimumab in a patient with Crohn's disease.

El tratamiento con anticuerpos anti-factor de necrosis tumoral (TNF) es una opción terapéutica efectiva en la enfermedad inflamatoria crónica intestinal, en casos de ineficacia a otros fármacos, pero favorece la aparición de infecciones oportunistas en sus formas graves, debido a la gran inmunodepresión de células T que produce. Entre las más frecuentes se encuentran las infecciones granulomatosas bacterianas, como las causadas por micobacterias (en la que se destaca la tuberculosis), y las fúngicas. La actinomicosis es una infección oportunista crónica, granulomatosa, supurativa e infrecuente que, en estados de inmunosupresión, como el provocado tras el tratamiento con anticuerpos monoclonales anti-TNF, puede complicarse con cuadros clínicos más graves. Se presenta el caso clínico, no descrito anteriormente, de actinomicosis cervicofacial complicada con neumonía, secundaria al tratamiento con adalimumab, en una paciente con enfermedad de Crohn.

Infecciones abdominales por Actinomyces odontolyticus: comunicación de dos casos / Abdominal infections due Actinomyces odontolyticus: a report of two cases

Resumen Actinomyces spp es una familia de bacilos grampositivos saprofíticos que rara vez producen infecciones en el ser humano. Actinomyces odontolyticus forma parte de la microbiota oral y existen escasos reportes de casos de infecciones asociadas a este microorganismo, principalmente de localización oral, torácica, pélvica y bacteremias. Estas infecciones se caracterizan por ser recidivantes y causar abscesos y trayectos fistulosos. Su aislamiento microbiológico es difícil ya que la mayoría de los equipos automatizados no identifican la especie de Actinomyces, por lo que técnicas como MALDI-TOF MS resulta de gran ayuda en el diagnóstico definitivo. Finalmente, el tratamiento antibacteriano debe ser prolongado, acompañado del drenaje quirúrgico de las colecciones. Presentamos dos casos de infección abdominal recurrente por A. odontolyticus, en pacientes inmunocompetentes, con tratamiento exitoso.

Abstract Actinomyces spp is a family of saprophytic gram-positive rods that rarely cause infections in humans. Actinomyces odontolyticus is part of the oral microbiota and there are few case reports of infections associated, mainly oral, thoracic, pelvic involvement and bacteremia. These infections are characterized by being recurrent and causing abscesses and fistulous tracts. Microbiological isolation of the microorganism is difficult because most of the automated identification equipment does not detect the Actinomyces species. The use of identification techniques such as MALDI-TOF MS is a great help in the definitive diagnosis. Finally, antibacterial treatment should be prolonged, and accompanied by surgical drainage of the collections. We report two cases of recurrent abdominal infection by A. odontolyticus, in immunocompetent patients, with successful treatment.

Actinomyces y síndrome de Kartagener: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Actinomyces and Kartagener syndrome: Case report and literature review

RESUMEN El síndrome de Kartagener, el cual hace parte del subgrupo de las discinesias ciliares primarias predispone a infecciones respiratorias recurrentes del tracto respiratorio por Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus y Streptococcus pneumoniae. Se describe a continuación el caso de un paciente con diagnóstico de síndrome de Kartagener en quien se documentó colonización por Pseudomonas fluorescens y neumonía con empiema asociado por Actinomyces spp, una asociación poco frecuente en la literatura.

ABSTRACT Kartagener syndrome, which is part of the subgroup of the primary ciliary dyskinesias, predisposes to recurrent respiratory tract infections due to Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The case of a patient with a diagnosis of Kartagener syndrome in whom colonization by Pseudomonas fluorescens and pneumonia complicated with empyema by Actinomyces spp is a rare association in the literature, which is described below.

Lesiones perirradiculares persistentes: revisión narrativa / Persistent periradicular lesions: a narrative review

La persistencia de lesiones perirradiculares luego del tra- tamiento endodóntico es un problema que requiere del clínico un conocimiento cabal de la histofisiología y de la histopato- logía del sistema de conductos radiculares del tejido pulpar y de los tejidos perirradiculares (periodonto y hueso); además de considerar siempre la posible existencia de enfermedades sistémicas que también pueden actuar como factores de in- fluencia. La presencia de bacterias remanentes a posteriori del tratamiento es considerada como una de las causas principales y más frecuentes para la perpetuación de las lesiones perirra- diculares. Sin embargo, existen otros factores causales, como la existencia de conductos laterales o accesorios infectados y no tratados, la reabsorción dentinaria interna, intercomunica- ciones, cul-de-sacs o istmos; que representan áreas de difícil acceso durante la instrumentación e irrigación. Cuando la cau- sa original se localiza en la zona perirradicular, como en los casos de actinomicosis, reacciones a cuerpo extraño, cristales de colesterol (CRCo) y granulomas o quistes con alto conte- nido de CRCo, la indicación más adecuada es el retratamiento y la cirugía periapical como complemento (AU)

The persistence of periradicular lesions after endodontic treatment is a problem that requires the doctor to have a thor- ough knowledge of the histophysiology and histopathology of the root canal system, the pulp tissue and periradicular tis- sues (periodontium and bone); as well as always considering the possible existence of systemic alterations that can also be influencing factors. Persisting bacteria within the root canal system after treatment is one of the major and most frequent causes for the perpetuation of periradicular lesions. Howev- er, there are other possible causal factors such as the exist- ence of untreated lateral or accessory canals, internal dentin resorption, intercommunications, cul-de-sacs or isthmuses; areas that represent a difficulty in access during instrumen- tation and irrigation. If the original cause is located in the periradicular area, in cases like actinomycosis, foreign-body reactions, cholesterol crystals (CRCo) and granulomas or cysts with high content of CRCo, retreatment coupled with periapical surgery is the best approach to treatment (AU)

Actinomicosis ósea del antepié izquierdo. Presentación de un caso / Bone actinomycosis of the left forefoot. Presentation of a case

RESUMEN Se presentó el caso de una actinomicosis ósea, que se manifestó como una lesión de la piel en la zona correspondiente al segundo metatarsiano izquierdo. Por el antecedente de ser la paciente operada de un tumor de células gigantes, se pensó en una recidiva tumoral. Fue intervenida quirúrgicamente y se realizó exéresis del segundo metatarsiano y de la piel afectada. La biopsia informó actinomicosis. Se trató a la paciente con amoxicilina; evolucionando satisfactoriamente, y dando seguimiento en consulta (AU).

ABSTRACT The authors presented the case of a bone actinomycosis expressed as a skin lesion in the area of the second left metatarsals. Due to the antecedent of having undergone a surgery of a giant cell tumor, a tumor recurrence was thought. Surgical intervention was performed and the excision of the second metatarsals and affected skin was performed. The biopsy reported Actinomycosis. The patient was treated with amoxicillin. She had a satisfactory evolution and is still followed up in consultation (AU).

[Acute abdomen with actinomycosis of the colon: A case report]. / Abdomen agudo por actinomicosis con afección colónica: reporte de un caso.

BACKGROUND: Actinomyces infection is a chronic inflammatory process that can sometimes, clinically and radiographically, closely mimic a malignant tumour, which may lead to giving a delayed or inappropriate treatment. CLINICAL CASE: Male 41 years old, with no previous history, with abdominal pain of one month onset, as well as weight loss, intermittent fever and diarrhoea. He developed acute abdomen and underwent surgery, finding a tumour in the distal ileum with necrosis and punctiform perforations. A resection was performed on the affected part of the ileum and colon, as well as an ileostomy using Hartmann's procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Actinomycosis is a disease that must be considered by the surgeon when faced with a clinical picture of subacute onset with intermittent fever, weight loss, abdominal pain, and even anaemia in patients with abdominal and retroperitoneal abscesses or previous history of surgery.

Actinomicosis en el hueso temporal. Reporte de un caso pediátrico / Actinomycosis in temporal bone. A pediatric case report

La actinomicosis es una infección causada por un bacilo anaerobio Gram-positivo, filamentoso, ramificado, no esporulado. Integra la flora habitual de la orofaringe y coloniza transitoriamente el tracto gastrointestinal, genital femenino y el árbol bronquial. Es poco frecuente en el hueso temporal. Por su semejanza a un hongo, es difícil su reconocimiento, lo que hace necesaria la sospecha clínica para obtener los cultivos apropiados en condiciones anaeróbicas en forma prolongada. Los hallazgos microscópicos típicos incluyen necrosis con gránulos de azufre amarillento y la presencia de filamentos que se asemejan a infecciones fúngicas. El tratamiento requiere de elevadas y prolongadas dosis de antibiótico con penicilina o amoxicilina, entre 6 y 12 meses. La duración de la terapia antimicrobiana podría ser reducida en pacientes que han sido operados quirúrgicamente. Se presenta, a continuación, un caso clínico de actinomicosis en el hueso temporal en un paciente pediátrico que requirió tratamiento quirúrgico para su resolución.

Actinomycosis is an infection caused by a Gram-positive, filamentous anaerobic bacillus. Mainly belonging to the human commensal flora of the oropharynx, it normally colonizes the human digestive and genital tracts and the bronchial tree. It is slightly frequent in the temporal bone. Bacterial cultures and pathology are the cornerstone of diagnosis, but particular conditions are required in order to get the correct diagnosis. Prolonged bacterial cultures in anaerobic conditions are necessary to identify the bacterium and typical microscopic findings include necrosis with yellowish sulfur granules and filamentous Gram-positive fungal-like pathogens. Patients with actinomycosis require prolonged (6- to 12-month) high doses of penicillin G or amoxicillin, but the duration of antimicrobial therapy could probably be shortened in patients in whom optimal surgical resection of infected tissues has been performed. A pediatric patient with actinomycosis in temporal bone who needed surgery resolution is reported.

Actinomyces y cándida, hongos que cobran importancia en la infección dei sistema nervioso central / Actinomyces and candida, fungi that become important in infection of the central nervous system

RESUMEN La actinomicosis y la candidiasis son microorganismos poco prevalentes en las neuroinfecciones, pero con el advenimiento de la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) se ha incrementado la frecuencia de casos por candidiasis. Con respecto a la infección por actinomyces, este es un diagnóstico diferencial que debe establecerse ante un cuadro de abscesos cerebrales, por lo cual es importante reconocer sus manifestaciones neurológicas y tenerlas presentes para proporcionar un tratamiento oportuno. Este apartado tiene como objetivo describir las principales características clínicas, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de estos microorganismos, con respecto al compromiso neurológico.

SUMMARY Actinomycosis and candidiasis are little prevalent microorganisms in neuroinfections, but with the advent of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the frequency of cases of candidiasis has increased. With respect to infection by Actinomyces, this is a differential diagnosis that must be established in the presence of brain abscesses, which is why it is important to recognize its neurological manifestations and keep them in mind to provide timely treatment. This chapter aims to describe the main clinical characteristics, diagnosis and teatment of these microorganisms, with respect to neurological involvement.

Actinomicosis pélvica invasiva: un desafío para el ginecólogo / Invasive pelvic actinomycosis: a challenge for the gynecologist

Resumen La actinomicosis pélvica es una infección bacteriana supurativa crónica, producida por especies de Actinomyces, principalmente Actinomyces israelii, que afecta el aparato genital interno y las estructuras vecinas, asociada al uso prolongado de dispositivo intrauterino sin control en casi la totalidad de los casos descritos en mujeres. La actinomicosis pélvica suele presentarse como un absceso tubo-ovárico y con menor frecuencia como una actinomicosis pélvica invasiva (API). La API se propaga por contigüidad desde el aparato genital hacia las vísceras adyacentes, originando un tumor pélvico difuso, de consistencia leñosa, pseudotumoral, que a menudo se confunde con una neoplasia pélvica. La API representa un gran desafío para el ginecólogo por las dificultades en su diagnóstico y manejo. Se presentan dos casos de API y se revisan los procedimientos diagnósticos y terapéuticos recomendados actualmente para el enfrentamiento de esta patología.

Abstract Pelvic actinomycosis (PA) is a chronic suppurative bacterial infection, produced by Actinomyces, mainly Actinomyces israelii. It affects the internal genital tract, adjacent structures and is associated with a prolonged intrauterine device use with an inadequate control in almost all described cases in women. Pelvic actinomycosis usually presents as a tube ovarian abscess and less frequently as invasive pelvic actinomycosis (IPA). The IPA spreads contiguously from the genital tract to adjacent viscera, causing a diffuse, woody, pseudotumoral pelvic tumor that is frequently confused with a pelvic neoplasm. The IPA represents a great challenge for the gynecologist due to the difficulties in the diagnosis and management of this disease. Two cases of IPA are presented and the currently recommended diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for dealing with this pathology are reviewed.

Actinomicosis mandibular

RESUMEN Mujer de 46 años, tiroidectomizada por bocio hiperfuncionante, con bicitopenia (anemia y leucopenia) en estudio, acude por tumoración y dolor del maxilar inferior y secreción purulenta, de 4 meses de evolución, con fiebre intermitente. Presentó disminución de ingesta de alimentos con pérdida de 20 kg de peso aproximadamente. Ya recibió varios esquemas de tratamiento entre los que se incluye antimicrobianos, sin mejoría. Muestras de secreción con cultivo: negativos. Tomografía del macizo facial con lesiones osteolíticas y fractura del maxilar inferior. La biopsia muestra inflamación crónica inespecífica y presencia de Actinomyces sp. Biopsia osteomedular: probable efecto tóxico medular. Recibió tratamiento prolongado con antimicrobiano, mejorando. Actualmente en planes de reconstrucción de maxilar inferior.

ABSTRACT A 46-year-old woman, thyroidectomized by hyperfunctional goiter, with bicytopenia (anemia and leukopenia) under study, consults because of a tumor, pain of the lower jaw and purulent secretion of 4 months of evolution, with intermittent fever. She presented decrease in food intake with loss of approximately 20 kg of weight. She has already received several treatment schemes, including antimicrobials, without improvement. Culture secretion samples: negative. Tomography of the facial massif showed osteolytic lesions and fracture of the lower jaw. The biopsy shows nonspecific chronic inflammation and the presence of Actinomyces sp. Osteomedullary biopsy: probable spinal toxic effect. She received prolonged treatment with antimicrobial, improving. Currently she is in reconstruction plans of the lower jaw.

Cervicofacial actinomycosis: important considerations on a mimicking disease / Actinomicosis cervicofacial: consideraciones importantes sobre una enfermedad imitadora

SUMMARY Actinomycosis is a rare chronic suppurative infection that affects upper airways and the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this work was to review important information regarding the etiopathogenesis, clinical features and treatment of cervicofacial actinomycosis. According to the anatomic site affected, it is classified into three clinical forms: cervicofacial (50%), thoracic (30%) and abdominal (20%). We present here a literature review focusing on important aspects of cervicofacial actinomycosis. Despite the name comprising the term mycosis, the disease is caused by Gram-positive bacteria of the genus Actinomyces, mainly Actinomyces israelii, which are commensals of the oral microbiota. Nevertheless, when the integrity of the oral mucosa is compromised, they can become pathogenic. Actinomycosis evolves slowly and it often mimics other clinical conditions such as malignancies. Treatment consists in antibiotic therapy and can last up to 12 months in severe cases. Health care professionals' knowledge about the disease is crucial in a way to promote its prevention, early diagnosis and proper treatment.

RESUMEN La actinomicosis es una enfermedad infecciosa muy infrecuente de tipo crónico y supurativo que afecta al área cervicofacial e el tracto gastrointestinal. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo, revisar informaciones importantes en cuanto etiopatogenia, presentación clínica y tratamiento de la actinomicosis cervicofacial. Se puede clasificar de tres maneras a depender del sitio anatómico: cervicofacial (50%), torácica (30%) y abdominal (20%). Presentamos una revisión de la literatura con foco en aspectos importantes de la actinomicosis cervicofacial. Aunque se le denomine micosis, la enfermedad es causada por bacterias grampositivas del género Actinomyces, siendo que A. israelli es el agente etiológico más frecuente, cuales son microorganismos comensales de la boca. Sin embargo, si la integridad de la mucosa es violada, ellos se tornan patogénicos. La actinomicosis es lentamente progresiva y frecuentemente imita otras condiciones clínicas como malignidades. El tratamiento consiste en terapia antibiótica y puede durar 12 meses en casos más graves. El conocimiento de los profesionales de salud acerca de esa enfermedad es fundamental para promover su prevención, diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento correcto.