Case series of thoracic actinomycosis presenting as a diagnostic challenge

SummaryWe report two patients who presented with dyspnoea, lethargy and weight loss. In both cases chest radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans of the thorax were suggestive of bronchogenic carcinoma. However, thoracic actinomycosis was confirmed in both cases based on findings of the surgical biopsy and cultures from chest wall wound. The patients were successfully treated with penicillin. Thoracic actinomycosis is a very rare condition, which can pose a diagnostic challenge. These cases highlight the importance of considering the possibility of rare infections such as actinomycosis in apparently malignant looking lung lesions. Moreover this report emphasizes the importance of promptly diagnosing this highly treatable disease with excellent prognosis.