Hemoptysis as an early symptom of abdominal actinomycosis with thoracic extension ten years after cholecystectomy with retained gallstone

Abstract

Background: Thoracoabdominal actinomycosis is rare, especially in the context of readily available medical facilities.

Methods: Case report and review of the literature.

Case report: A 54-year-old male patient was admitted because of hemoptysis and a pulmonary infiltrate in the left lower lobe. His history was unremarkable except for chronic gastritis and an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed 10 years earlier. Following persistent hemoptysis, elevated inflammatory markers, and a non-revealing bronchoscopy, a computed tomography scan of the thorax and upper abdomen revealed a tumor in the upper part of the left kidney spreading directly to the adjacent diaphragm and left lower lobe. Laparotomy revealed a granulomatous mass containing a gallstone, as well as orange granular content. The treatment involved surgical removal of the mass, splenectomy, excision of the infiltrated part of the left hemidiaphragm, and decortication of the left lower lobe. Because of a prolonged post-operative low-grade fever and radiologically confirmed encapsulation in the lingula, the patient was given ceftriaxone. Repeat bronchoscopy revealed Actinomyces meyeri. The initial antibiotic therapy was replaced with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, after which the patient's health improved.

Conclusion: Actinomycosis is still a highly intriguing disease, as initial symptoms often mislead clinicians. It is important to consider the disease whenever we are challenged diagnostically or when risk factors are present.