Actinomycosis of the parotid gland

The bacteriology of salivary gland infections

The parotid gland is the salivary gland most commonly affected by inflammation. However, infection of the salivary glands can occur in any of the glands. The most common pathogens associated with acute bacterial infection are Staphylococcus aureus and anaerobic bacteria. The predominant anaerobes include: anaerobic Gram negative bacilli (eg, pigmented Prevotella and Porphyromonas); Fusobacterium spp; and Peptostreptococcus spp. In addition, Streptococcus spp (including Streptococcus pneumoniae) and aerobic and facultative Gram-negative bacilli (including Escherichia coli) have been reported. Aerobic and facultative Gram-negative bacilli are often seen in hospitalized patients. Organisms less frequently found are Haemophilus influenzae, Treponema pallidum, Bartonella henselae, and Eikenella corrodens. Mycobacterium tuberculosis and atypical mycobacteria are rare causes of infection. The choice of antibiotics should be guided by identification of the etiologic agent.

Cervical Lymphadenitis, Suppurative Parotitis, Thyroiditis, and Infected Cysts

Neck masses are common and have a variety of infectious agents and noninfectious causes. This article reviews the more common infectious causes of neck masses-cervical lymphadenitis, suppurative parotitis, thyroiditis, and infected cysts. Important clinical pearls, diagnostic evaluation including laboratory studies, and imaging are summarized. Methods for prevention are highlighted.

Actinomycosis of the parotid masquerading as malignant neoplasm

BACKGROUND

Primary actinomycosis of the parotid gland is of rare occurrence and can mimic a malignant neoplasm both clinically as well as radiologically.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present here a case of primary actinomycosis of the parotid gland presenting with a parotid mass lesion with erosion of skull bones.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical presentation of cervico-facial actinomycosis is characterized by the presence of a suppurative or indurative mass with discharging sinuses. The lesion demonstrates characteristic features on fine needle aspiration cytology and histology, however at times the findings are equivocal.

Acute bacterial suppurative parotitis: microbiology and management

The parotid gland is the salivary gland most commonly affected by inflammation. The most common pathogens associated with acute bacterial parotitis are Staphylococcus aureus and anaerobic bacteria. The predominant anaerobes include gram-negative bacilli (including pigmented Prevotella and Porphyromonas spp.), Fusobacterium spp., and Peptostreptococcus spp. Streptococcus spp. (including S. pneumoniae) and gram-negative bacilli (including Escherichia coli) have also been reported. Gram-negative organisms are often seen in hospitalized patients. Organisms less frequently found are Arachnia, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Treponema pallidum, cat-scratch bacillus, and Eikenella corrodens. Mycobacterium tuberculosis and atypical mycobacteria are rare causes of parotitis. Therapy includes maintenance of hydration and administration of parenteral antimicrobial therapy. Once an abscess has formed surgical drainage is required. The choice of antimicrobial depends on the etiologic agent. Maintenance of good oral hygiene, adequate hydration, and early and proper therapy of bacterial infection of the oropharynx may reduce the occurrence of suppurative parotitis.

False diagnosis caused by Warthin tumor of the parotid gland combined with actinomycosis

A case is reported in which a unilateral parotid gland cystadenolymphoma was combined with actinomycosis. A 48-year-old woman presented with a mass in the left parotid region and paresis of the lower left palpebra. The computed tomography, echography, and parotid radiographic findings did not exclude a neoplasm of the left parotid gland. The ramus of the mandible was involved in the process. Intraoperative freezing histology, total parotidectomy, and partial mandibulectomy were performed, with sacrifice of the facial nerve followed by nerve reconstruction. The final histological evaluation was Warthin tumor with actinomycosis. Four years after treatment, the patient is free of disease. No similar cases seem to have been reported thus far.

Cervicofacial actinomycosis: a diagnostic challenge

Actinomycosis was first described as a clinical entity over 100 years ago. However, the fundamental characteristics of this entity have not been fully discussed, and major questions remain unanswered, such as the highly diversified pathogenicity of the phenomenon according to numerous published case reports and clarification of solid diagnostic criteria. Even the frequency of cervicofacial actinomycosis occurrence is unclear; some authors consider it to be rare and others to be common. We present 11 cases examined and treated in our department within the last 14 years along with a review of the literature. Diagnostic problems are emphasized, and a comprehensive overview of the entity is suggested.

Actinomycosis associated with a root-treated tooth: report of a case

An unusual case of a persistent infection related to a root-filled tooth is reported. Microscopical evaluation revealed the cause to be a large mass of Actinomyces-like filaments, and microbiological culture yielded a low level of Actinomyces israelii. The significance of such a presentation is discussed.

Actinomycosis of the tongue. A diagnostic dilemma

Actinomycosis of the tongue is an uncommon form of this well known but little seen bacterial disease. A review of the literature is presented and a report of a case which is believed to be the first from the British Isles in recent years. The clinical appearance mimicked a deep seated malignant tumour with induration, limitation of tongue movement and pain. A Tru-Cut biopsy was obtained which revealed a diagnosis of actinomycosis. Treatment was with oral phenoxymethylpenicillin for 3 months.