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Actinomyces meyeri: from “lumpy jaw” to empyema

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Abstract

While the most common presentation of actinomycosis is cervicofacial disease, or “lumpy jaw syndrome,” Actinomyces meyeri has a predilection for pulmonary disease as well as dissemination to distant organs. We describe a 61-year-old Caucasian male with a relapsing-remitting mandibular sinus tract who would go on to develop weight loss, dyspnea, and a cough productive of malodorous sputum. Imaging revealed a right lower lobe pneumonia and a large left sided empyema. He underwent thoracotomy and decortication on the left side, and 1 L of foul-smelling purulent fluid was drained. Culture grew Actinomyces meyeri. He completed an extended antibiotic course and had his teeth extracted with good clinical outcome.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Western Michigan University School of Medicine, 1000 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA

    A. Attaway & T. Flynn

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  1. A. Attaway
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  2. T. Flynn
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Correspondence to A. Attaway.

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Attaway, A., Flynn, T. Actinomyces meyeri: from “lumpy jaw” to empyema. Infection 41, 1025–1027 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-013-0453-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-013-0453-8

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