Endobronchial actinomycosis mimicking pulmonary neoplasm.

Abstract

A 60 year old man had recurrent pneumonia. Bronchoscopy disclosed a necrotic mass in the left lower lobe bronchus, which histological examination showed to contain sulphur granules. The endobronchial mass had disappeared by the second bronchoscopy one week later. The patient was treated with penicillin for one year and was cured. Actinomycosis must be included in the differential diagnosis of an endobronchial mass.