Maxillary Actinomycosis: A Nice Discovery

Abstract

Actinomycosis is a subacute to chronic infection caused by Grampositive, anaerobic filamentous bacteria [1,2]. It can present in four forms: cerebral, cervicofacial, thoracic and abdominal-pelvic [2]. The cervicofacial form typically affects the cheek and chin area but very rarely involves the maxillary bone [3]. We present the case of a 65-year-old patient with a history of multiple myeloma who presented with a lesion in the anterior part of the upper maxillary bone. A recurrence of her myeloma was suspected. A CT scan of the facial area revealed a lesion process of the maxilla. Histological examination of the biopsy showed bone dystrophy and areas of necrosis (Figure A) with filaments that were positive for Grocott staining, indicating actinomycosis (Figures B and C).