Esophageal actinomycosis.
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.
Chou
Fu-Tsan
FT
Department of Internal Medicine/Pathology, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
Cheng
Ken-Sheng
KS
Chiang
I-Ping
IP
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
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000658:Amoxicillin; D010400:Penicillin G