Actinomycosis Presenting as Macroglossia: Case Report and Review of Literature. 2019

Shayan Sadeghi, and Maxime Azaïs, and Julien Ghannoum
Department of Stomatology, University of Montreal Hospital Center, Montreal, QC, Canada.

Cervicofacial actinomycosis is a common form of Actinomyces infection. However, the latter seldom occurs in the tongue. We present a case of a 66 year-old man with macroglossia caused by actinomycosis of the tongue. Radiographic features were compatible with a chronic inflammatory disease. Biopsies revealed granulomas containing giant cells and Gram positive bacterial clusters consistent with actinomycosis. The patient was treated with a 22 week course of antibiotics. Imaging showed a notable improvement in the extent of the lesions 1 year later. The patient was asymptomatic and in good condition during his second year follow-up. Diagnosis of actinomycosis of the tongue can prove to be challenging because of the non-specific nature of its symptoms, clinical signs, and radiographic features. Isolation of Actinomyces sp. is an added diagnostic hurdle, because of its fastidious nature.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008260 Macroglossia The presence of an excessively large tongue, which may be congenital or may develop as a result of a tumor or edema due to obstruction of lymphatic vessels, or it may occur in association with hyperpituitarism or acromegaly. It also may be associated with malocclusion because of pressure of the tongue on the teeth. (From Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992) Macroglossias
D008297 Male Males
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000197 Actinomycosis, Cervicofacial A form of ACTINOMYCOSIS characterized by slow-growing inflammatory lesions of the lymph nodes that drain the mouth (lumpy jaw), reddening of the overlying skin, and intraperitoneal abscesses.
D000368 Aged A person 65 years of age or older. For a person older than 79 years, AGED, 80 AND OVER is available. Elderly

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