We, the authors of the manuscript titled ’Actinomyces in Hand:
An Unusual Cause of Osteomyelitis,’ are currently studying and
conducting research at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran. We would
like to clarify that this article is entirely personal and we are not
representing any governmental entity. Our research and academic
activities are carried out independently and are not associated with any
sanctioned government body. We kindly request that you consider this
clarification in the processing of our manuscript.
Abstract:
actinomycosis is a chronic and invasive condition caused by Actinomyces
bacteria. It is crucial to diagnose and treat the infection promptly to
prevent complications and ensure favorable outcomes for patients. In
this case, the 82-year-old man initially presented with pustules on the
dorsal side of his left hand, which eventually led to the biopsy that
revealed the characteristic histopathologic features of actinomycosis.
The subsequent imaging studies further confirmed the extent of the
infection, showing osteomyelitis in the carpal bones and proximal
metacarpals, along with joint destruction and multiple collections.
Treatment with intramuscular ceftriaxone was attempted, but
unfortunately, it proved ineffective in this particular case. However,
with the suspicion of mycetoma and eumycetomas based on the biopsy
findings and imaging results, a culture was performed to detect the
microbial organism. The subsequent histologic evaluation confirmed the
diagnosis of actinomycosis, providing valuable information for selecting
appropriate antibiotics.
It is important to note that delays in diagnosis or aggressive disease
spread can lead to severe complications and even fatal outcomes.
Therefore, accurately identifying and isolating the infecting bacteria
through culture and pathology are vital steps in the diagnostic process.
Overall, this case emphasizes the significance of a multidisciplinary
approach involving pathology, imaging, and microbiology to diagnose and
manage actinomycosis effectively.
Keywords: Actinomycosis, Chronic, Biopsy, Osteomyelitis, Antibiotics