Delayed Diagnosis of Esophageal Actinomycosis: A Case Report
Abstract
Actinomycosis is an uncommon bacterial infection caused by the Actinomyces species. While these bacteria are part of the normal human flora, infection can occur after injury to the mucosal barrier in the setting of certain risk factors. Actinomycosis may involve multiple sites with a variety of presentations requiring a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. We report the case of a 69-yearold female with stage IV breast cancer presenting with odynophagia and epigastric pain. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was remarkable for Grade D esophagitis and a malignant-appearing esophageal stenosis. Histopathology revealed colonies of Actinomyces spp, initially thought to be an incidental finding. Subsequently, the patient was hospitalized with worsening esophageal symptoms and associated weight loss. CT chest showed mid-esophageal wall thickening with surrounding mediastinal attenuation. Given her clinical picture and prior EGD findings, treatment for esophageal actinomycosis with IV penicillin G was initiated. After one month, the patient was transitioned to oral antibiotics and completed a six-month course for actinomycosis with resolution of symptoms. This case highlights a rare presentation of esophageal actinomycosis and the importance of early recognition and treatment.
Keywords: Actinomycosis Esophageal Actinomycosis Odynophagia Dysphagia Esophagitis
1. Li J, Li Y, Zhou Y, Wang C, Wu B, Wan J. Actinomyces and Alimentary Tract Diseases: A Review of Its Biological Functions…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
Read the paper
Related studies
- In silico strategies for modeling RNA aptamers and predicting binding sites of their molecular targets
- Folic acid-hydrophilic polymer coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles target doxorubicin delivery
- Anti-phytopathogenic and plant growth promoting potential of endophytic fungi isolated from Dysoxylum gotadhora
- Mercury toxicity causes iron and sulfur deficiencies along with oxidative injuries in alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
- Suppression of lncRNA GAS6-AS2 alleviates sepsis-related acute kidney injury through regulating the miR-136-5p/OXSR1 axis in vitro and in vivo
- Assessing the Protective Effect of Moringa oleifera Extract against Bone Metastasis: An In Vitro Simulated Digestion Approach
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.