Cervical epidural actinomycosis

Cervical actinomycosis causing spinal cord compression is a rare clinical entity. In a review of the literature, the authors found only 13 cases with actinomycosis-related spinal neurological deficit. The authors describe the case of a 26-year-old man who presented with neck pain and partial paresis of the upper limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a long cervical epidural enhancing lesion that extended from C-1 to T-2. The radiological findings resembled metastasis and other epidural infections. The patient was treated medically with penicillin and amoxicillin for 7 months and recovered neurologically. The authors conclude that although cervical epidural actinomycosis is a rare clinical entity resembling metastasis and other infections in this region, it should be considered so that this unique infection can be diagnosed in the least invasive fashion and, whenever possible, unnecessary surgery can be avoided.