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Indian Journal of Emergency Medicine

Volume  10, Issue 3, July -Sept 2024, Pages 157-161
 

Case Report

Cervicofacial Actinomycosis: A Lump that Might Kill

Rohith K1, Palas Manna2, Indranil Das3

1DNB Post Graduate 3rd Year  Student, 2Consultant, 3Consultant and HOD, Department of  Emergency Medicine, Medica Superspecialty Hospital Medical  Super specialty Hospital, Kolkata 700099, West Bengal, India
 

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijem.2395.311X.10324.9

Abstract

Actinomycosis (AM) is a rare, slowly progressive, chronic granulomatous inflammatory   disease that can result in multiple abscesses, sinus tracts, tissue fibrosis, and fistula formation.1,2  It is caused by a group of Gram-positive, filamentous, anaerobic bacilli of the genus Actinomyces   that are the endogenous microbiota of the mouth, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts.2
These microorganisms are usually commensal; Invasion of the subcutaneous plane therefore   requires disruption of mucosal integrity and devitalized tissue. It usually spreads continuously   to the adjacent soft tissues, bypassing the tissue plane and lymphatic drainage.3, 4 Cervicofacial   AM is the most common presentation of the disease and dental infection or extraction and
maxillofacial trauma are predisposing factors. It often develops as subacute or chronic soft   tissue inflammation of the submandibular or paramandibular regions.3–6  The diagnosis of AM can easily be missed because it has a tendency to mimic a number of   other conditions, including malignant and granu lomatous diseases.4,7–9 Moreover, Actinomyces   spp. are very sensitive to a variety of antimicrobials, thus relatively low doses can render   cultures negative.6 However, due to the fact that AM can be disfiguring or even fatal if vital   structures including the airways and major vessels are involved, its correct diagnosis is
of prime importance. In addition, it requires significantly longer treatment for its complete  eradication.3,6,10
 


Keywords : Cervicofacial Actinomycosis.
Corresponding Author : Palas Manna,