title: Esophageal actinomycosis.
abstract: Esophageal actinomycosis is uncommon and has been reported in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. A 41-y-old man with a history of heavy alcohol use presented with progressively worsening odynophagia and dysphagia over a 2-wk period. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and esophageal biopsy revealed ulceration with Actinomyces and candidal infection. After therapy with intravenous penicillin G followed by oral amoxicillin that led to clinical improvement, repeat upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed healing of esophageal ulceration and no evidence of Actinomyces. From this case and a review of the literature regarding clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, it is clear that esophageal actinomycosis is a cause of odynophagia and dysphagia. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and pathologic examination should be carefully evaluated in patients who present with odynophagia and dysphagia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine/Pathology, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Fu-Tsan
authors.initials: FT
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.forename: Ken-Sheng
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: I-Ping
authors.initials: IP
authors.lastname: Chiang
mesh_terms: D000196:Actinomycosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications; D000658:Amoxicillin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010400:Penicillin G / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000658:Amoxicillin; D010400:Penicillin G