Endobronchial actinomycosis associated with a foreign body-successful short-term treatment with antibiotics

Abstract

Primary endobronchial actinomycosis is a very rare condition. We report herein the case of a healthy 66- year-old woman who presented with right lower lobe endobronchial actinomycosis associated with aspiration of a foreign body, which was presumed to be a fish bone swallowed 28 months previously. The patient achieved complete clinical and radiological recovery after removal of the foreign body and 1-month antibiotic therapy of oral amoxycillin. Our experience in the management of this patient should help clinicians to realize the importance of bronchoscopic investigation and the management of this rare but treatable condition. © 2010 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.