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A Model of Self-limited Acute Lung Injury by Unilateral Intra-bronchial Acid Instillation
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Endobronchial Actinomycosis - The Great Masquerader.
Mohammed Al Shuraiqi1, S Mohammed Mahaboob Pasha1, Mohammed Al Harrasi1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Nizwa Hospital, Nizwa, Oman.
Annals of African Medicine
|April 8, 2026
Summary
This case study highlights pulmonary actinomycosis, a rare bacterial lung infection often mistaken for tuberculosis or cancer. Early diagnosis and Penicillin treatment led to a favorable outcome in an elderly patient.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Actinomycosis is a rare bacterial infection often mimicking other lung diseases.
- Pulmonary actinomycosis presents diagnostic challenges due to similarities with tuberculosis, lung abscess, and cancer.
- Delayed diagnosis can lead to significant morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of pulmonary actinomycosis in an elderly male.
- To emphasize diagnostic methods for this rare condition.
- To illustrate the effectiveness of Penicillin therapy.
Main Methods:
- Diagnostic workup included fiber-optic bronchoscopy, broncho-alveolar lavage, and endobronchial ultrasound.
- Histopathological examination with Hematoxylin and Eosin and Grocott-Gomori's methanamine silver stain confirmed the diagnosis.
- Exclusion of tuberculosis, fungal infections, and malignancy was crucial.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with productive cough, weight loss, and right upper lobe consolidation.
- Actinomyces filamentous colonies were identified on histopathology.
- The patient responded well to Penicillin therapy, showing clinical and radiological improvement.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary actinomycosis requires a high index of suspicion for accurate diagnosis.
- Multimodal diagnostic approaches, including bronchoscopy and histopathology, are essential.
- Prompt treatment with Penicillin is effective for pulmonary actinomycosis.
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