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Updated: May 23, 2026
03:22
Microbiological Rapid On-Site Evaluation for Pulmonary Infectious Diseases
Published on: March 1, 2024
[Pulmonary actinomycosis. Fine needle aspiration diagnostic]
María del Carmen Gómez Mateo1, Andrea Urbano Salcedo, Morelva Toro de Méndez
1Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, España. mcgomezmateo@hotmail.com
Investigacion Clinica
|April 25, 2012
Summary
Pulmonary actinomycosis, a rare lung infection, can mimic cancer. Early diagnosis through fine needle aspiration and antibiotic treatment leads to a full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Pulmonary actinomycosis is an uncommon bacterial infection.
- It often presents with nonspecific symptoms, mimicking other lung conditions.
Observation:
- Four cases of pulmonary actinomycosis in adults over 40 are presented.
- Patients exhibited symptoms including productive cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis, and prolonged fever.
- Radiological findings included segmental air-space consolidation, initially suggesting pneumonia or neoplasm.
Findings:
- Sputum cultures and Mantoux tests were negative.
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA) revealed filamentous colonies of Actinomyces.
- Antibiotic therapy led to symptom improvement and radiological resolution.
Implications:
- Pulmonary actinomycosis should be considered in patients with risk factors and subacute pneumonia symptoms.
- FNA is a valuable diagnostic tool, avoiding invasive procedures.
- Timely diagnosis and antibiotic treatment ensure a complete cure.
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