Pulmonary actinomycosis. A report of three cases.

The diagnosis of thoracic actinomycosis is readily made when the patient presents with the constellation of poor oral hygiene, pulmonary infiltrates, empyema, sinus tracts, and osteomyelitis of the ribs. However, in the absence of rib and chest wall involvement, the disease may be overlooked. Three cases of primary pulmonary actinomycosis are presented showing three different pulmonary forms of the disease and comprising (a) subacute patchy pulmonary infiltrates, (b) a cavitary lesion simulating tuberculosis, and (c) a central mass lesion simulating bronchogenic carcinoma.