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[Pulmonary actinomycosis in children: report of two Peruvian cases]

Héctor Nuñez-Paucar1, Carlos Valera-Moreno2, Mariela Katherine Zamudio-Aquise3

  • 1Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño-Breña, Lima, Perú. ORCID: 0000-0003-3995-2079.

Medwave
|August 18, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Thoracic actinomycosis, a rare bacterial infection, presents uniquely in children. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics and surgery are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric cases.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Bacteriology

Background:

  • Actinomycosis is a rare infection caused by Gram-positive bacteria, most commonly Actinomyces israelii.
  • Thoracic actinomycosis is an infrequent manifestation of this disease.
  • Pediatric thoracic actinomycosis is exceptionally rare.

Observation:

  • This report details two pediatric cases of thoracic actinomycosis from Peru, aged 8 and 13.
  • One patient presented with empyema necessitans, while the other had lung consolidation and recurrent hemoptysis.
  • Diagnostic challenges were encountered in both cases, highlighting the need for thorough evaluation.

Findings:

  • Both patients received a favorable response to a combination of antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention.
  • Histopathological examination was key to diagnosis, though specific Actinomyces species identification was not achieved.
  • Thoracic actinomycosis in children can manifest as parenchymal lesions potentially leading to chest wall fistulization.

Implications:

  • This case series contributes valuable data to the limited Peruvian literature on pediatric thoracic actinomycosis.
  • It underscores the importance of considering actinomycosis in the differential diagnosis of pediatric chest conditions.
  • Effective management involves a multidisciplinary approach including antibiotics and surgery for improved patient outcomes.
Keywords:
Peruactinomycosishemoptysispediatricsempyema

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