Thoracic actinomycetoma: a retrospective clinical-epidemiological study of 64 cases

Abstract Background Actinomycetoma is a chronic granulomatous infection that follows traumatic implantation. Thoracic actinomycetoma (TA) is rare and may lead to severe complications. Methods A retrospective study of cases of TA diagnosed from 1985 to 2019 was carried out. Each case underwent direct examination, culture and biopsy. Results Sixty-four cases (12.8%) were included, with a male predominance (84.3%); the main occupation was peasant farmer (71.8%) and the main site was the back (76.5%). Vertebral involvement was observed in 21.8% and pulmonary involvement in 7.8%. Nocardia brasiliensis was the main aetiological agent (53 cases, 74.5%). Conclusions TA is a poorly studied disease that can cause neurological and lung complications.