Thoracic actinomycosis: CT features with histopathologic correlation.

Kim, Tae Sung; Han, Joungho; Koh, Won-Jung; Choi, Jae Chol; Chung, Myung Jin; Lee, Ju Hyun; Shim, Sung Shine; Chong, Semin · AJR Am J Roentgenol · 2006

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

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. 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.

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