Disseminated actinomycosis with multifocal muscular involvement

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Case Reports
• Thoracic Medicine

Background:

• Thoracic actinomycosis is a rare bacterial infection, often challenging to diagnose.
• Actinomyces species typically cause cervicofacial or abdominal infections, with thoracic involvement being less common.

Observation:

• A patient presented with symptoms indicative of advanced thoracic actinomycosis.
• Imaging and clinical examination revealed hematogenous dissemination of the infection.
• The infection spread to contralateral para-spinal muscles and the ipsilateral thigh, causing extensive myositis.

Findings:

• The primary thoracic actinomycosis was linked to aspiration events.
• Chronic alcoholism and poor dentition were identified as predisposing factors for the initial infection.
• Hematogenous spread led to secondary myositis in the lower extremity and para-spinal muscles.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for thoracic actinomycosis to disseminate widely via the bloodstream.
• It underscores the importance of considering actinomycosis in patients with risk factors like alcoholism and poor dentition, even with unusual presentations.
• Early recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications from disseminated actinomycosis.