Cervicofacial Actinomycosis Presenting as a Fistulized Neck Mass During Pregnancy: A Case Report.

Background

Cervicofacial actinomycosis is an uncommon chronic bacterial infection that can mimic neoplasia or granulomatous disease because of its infiltrative presentation. Diagnosis is often delayed, particularly in pregnant patients in whom imaging and invasive procedures may be limited. Case report: A 25-year-old woman at 14 weeks of gestation presented with a multiple-fistulized cervical mass. The lesion was initially diagnosed as a cutaneous furuncle in a private dermatology practice and treated with topical therapy, resulting in only transient improvement. Two weeks later, multiple fistulizations developed, prompting consultation in the emergency department. ENT assessment and ultrasound raised suspicion of cervical actinomycosis versus fistulized tuberculous lymphadenitis. Considering the pregnancy, drainage of the collection was performed under local anesthesia and empiric antibiotic therapy with amoxicilin-clavulanic acid was started. Microbiological confirmation of Actinomyces (Schaalia) georgiae led to infectious disease evaluation that established a long-term antibiotic therapy while monitoring fetal safety. Progressive clinical improvement was observed, with complete resolution after three months. The pregnancy progressed without complications and fetal morphology remained normal under therapy.

Conclusions

This case illustrates the diagnostic complexity of cervicofacial actinomycosis caused by A. georgiae during pregnancy, representing the first such report in the current literature, and emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach.