Pulmonary actinomycosis with spinal cord compression: A case report

Abstract

Actinomycosis is a chronic, suppurative granulomatous infection, which is usually caused by Actinomyces israelii. These Gram-positive, anaerobic, saprophyte bacteria may form an abscess followed by sinus tract formation and cause a purulent discharge with yellowish sulfur granules. Actinomycosis can present itself with spinal cord compression, although this form is unusual and is seen in less than 5% of infections. This is a report of a patient in whom extensive actinomycosis developed in the thorax, with a sinus tract draining pus. The patient also had invasion into the spinal canal causing cord compression.