Thoracic actinomycosis: CT features with histopathologic correlation

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2006 Jan;186(1):225-31. doi: 10.2214/AJR.04.1749.

Abstract

Objective: Thoracic actinomycosis is a chronic suppurative pulmonary or endobronchial infection caused by Actinomyces israelii, a gram-positive anaerobic organism. We present the CT features of thoracic actinomycosis with histopathologic correlation.

Conclusion: The typical CT feature of parenchymal actinomycosis is a chronic segmental air-space consolidation containing necrotic low-attenuation areas with frequent cavity formation. A broncholith can be secondarily infected with Actinomyces organisms, resulting in endobronchial actinomycosis. It usually manifests as a proximal endobronchial calcification associated with distal obstructive pneumonia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actinomycosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Actinomycosis / pathology
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Diseases / microbiology*
  • Lung Diseases / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*