Actinomycotic granuloma masquerading as an infraorbital nerve neoplasm

✍ Scribed by Gady Har-Ei; Dr. David A. Prager; Dr. Fidelina De Soto La Paix; Michael Nash

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1990
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 362 KB
• Volume: 12
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1043-3074
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.2880120313

✦ Synopsis

Actinomycotic infections of the head and neck region are rare and frequently present a confusing clinical picture. We document a case of actinomycosis that simulated a neoplasm of the infraorbital nerve, both clinically and surgically. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of actinomycosis involving this nerve. Correct diagnosis of actinomycotic infection in the head and neck relies most heavily on clinical suspicion. It is, therefore, imperative for the head and neck surgeon to be familiar with the etiology of this infection and its various modes of presentation as well as its appropriate management. HEAD & NECK 12~261-263,1990

Actinomycosis is a chronic, suppurative infection caused primarily by the gram positive bacterium Actinomyces isrueli. The organism is present universally in the human mouth. It is, therefore, not surprising that the majority of infections are of the cervicofacial form. Minor oral trauma is believed to be responsible for the majority of cases, as this allows the organism to gain access to the subcutaneous tissues.

From the Department of Otolaryngology (Drs. Har-El, Prager, and Nash).