Disseminated actinomycosis with spinal cord compression

Abstract

Patients (2) with vertebral actinomycosis and symptoms of spinal cord compression were studied. Both patients had a chronic illness characterized by multiple draining skin lesions, weight loss and progressive leg weakness. They responded to antibiotic therapy and corticosteroids without neurosurgical intervention. The patients were treated with antibiotics for 12 mo., and remained well, without major neurologic disorder, for 2 yr after stopping medication.