Actinomycosis or tuberculosis? A diagnostic dilemma

Destruction of the C2 Body due to Cervical Actinomycosis: Connection between Spinal Epidural Abscess and Retropharyngeal Abscess

Human actinomycosis with involvement of the spine is a rare condition, with only a limited number of case reports published. To the best of our knowledge, no cases have been reported of epidural abscess causing destruction of the C2 body, bringing about a direct connection between spinal epidural and retropharyngeal abscesses. Here, we present such a case that occurred after acupuncture, and we review the relevant literature.

Thoracic vertebral actinomycosis: Actinomyces israelii and Fusobacterium nucleatum

Actinomyces spp. are considered rare pathogens in today's medicine, especially with thoracic vertebral involvement. Classic actinomycosis (50%) presents as an oral-cervicofacial ("lumpy jaw") infection. This report describes a case of spinal cord compression caused by Actinomyces israelii with the coisolation of Fusobacterium nucleatum. There are limited numbers of similar cases.