Actinomycosis of the trachea affecting the right supraclavicular region.

Abstract

Actinomycosis ofthe trachea affecting the right supraclavicular region 0 MAIWAND, AR MAKEY, A KHAGANI Colindale Hospital, London Actinomycosis is a worldwide chronic infection caused by an anaerobic Gram-positive organism. The human disease is most commonly caused by Actinomyces israelii, described by Israel in 1878. The organism is a normal commensal ofthe mouthand is found especially in the tonsils and in carious teeth. This endogenous infection is characterised by granulation formation and by fibrous infiltration and may present as a pseudotumour mass.' Classically there are multiple small, coalescent abscesses with communication sinuses and "sulphur"granules, which when recognised are diagnostic. A normocytic normochromic anaemia is frequently seen.2 Actinomyces is a difficult organism to isolate and the infection is difficult to treat. Treatment consists of surgical drainage of the infected abscesses and administration of antibiotics. Penicillin is the on July 27,