Cervicofacial actinomycosis presenting as acute upper respiratory tract obstruction.

Abstract

An unusual case of cervicofacial actinomycosis presenting as acute upper airway obstruction and demanding urgent tracheostomy is reported. Diagnosis was established by microscopic examination of the pus and culture of Actinomyces israelii. Repeated surgical drainage of the purulent foci and prolonged treatment with penicillin obtained resolution of the disease. Clinicians dealing with acute head and neck swellings should always consider actinomycosis as a possible diagnosis.

• Authors: D G Balatsouras, A K Kaberos, P N Eliopoulos, D Kandiloros, C N Economou
• Journal: The Journal of laryngology and otology (J Laryngol Otol) Vol. 108 Issue 9 Pg. 801-3 (Sep 1994) ISSN: 0022-2151 [Print] England
• PMID: 7964151 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Actinomyces (isolation & purification)
• Actinomycosis, Cervicofacial (complications, surgery)
• Aged
• Airway Obstruction (microbiology, surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Tracheostomy