Empyema necessitans caused by actinomycosis: A case report

Pulmonary actinomycosis is an uncommon clinical entity that the practicing thoracic surgeon rarely encounters. Empyema necessitans represents an even less common presentation of this pathology, and the often indolent disease course leads to early misdiagnosis in many cases. Familiarity with the varied presentations and possible operative strategies is essential to obtaining successful outcomes.

A 56-year-old male presented with swelling and pain over the lateral chest wall. Initial imaging studies demonstrated a mass concerning for infection vs. neoplasia. Further studies were obtained to confirm the diagnosis, with rapid progression of the mass. Surgical exploration with aggressive debridement of the chest wall without thoracotomy was performed. Actinomyces was identified on final pathology, confirming the diagnosis of Actinomycosis empyema necessitans.

Traditional management strategies often involve pulmonary resection in addition to extended duration antimicrobial therapy. This report describes the uncommon clinical presentation and successful management of actinomycosis empyema necessitans with early limited operative intervention.

In the event of minimal pulmonary involvement and absence of lung abscess, as was seen in this case, a thoracotomy with pulmonary resection can be avoided, and antibiotic duration limited.