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Endobronchial actinomycosis after airway stenting
Amanda M K Godfrey1, Javier Diaz-Mendoza, Cynthia Ray
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. agodfre1@hfhs.org
Journal of Bronchology & Interventional Pulmonology
|December 5, 2012
Summary
Actinomycosis, a rare bacterial infection, can affect the airways. This case details endobronchial actinomycosis linked to a covered nitinol stent, a novel association.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Actinomycosis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species, which are normal flora in humans.
- Thoracic actinomycosis, accounting for 15-20% of cases, typically involves the lung parenchyma.
- Endobronchial actinomycosis is rare, often linked to foreign body aspiration or broncholithiasis.
Observation:
- This report presents a unique case of endobronchial actinomycosis.
- The infection was associated with a covered nitinol endobronchial stent.
- This represents the first documented instance of this specific association.
Findings:
- Endobronchial actinomycosis presents with symptoms like cough, sputum, and fever, often mimicking lung cancer or other infections.
- Diagnosis is challenging due to non-specific symptoms and the rarity of the condition.
- The disruption of the mucosal barrier is crucial for pathogen invasion.
Implications:
- This case expands the known associations of endobronchial actinomycosis.
- It highlights the importance of considering actinomycosis in patients with endobronchial stents presenting with respiratory symptoms.
- Further investigation into stent-related infections may be warranted.
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