Pediatric thoracic actinomycosis

Two cases of pediatric thoracic actinomycosis are presented. A review of the English literature revealed forty-six additional cases in the last25 years. The mean age ofdiagnosis was 10 years. The most common presentationwas a mass associated with weight loss. fever, and cough. Actinomyces israelii was the most common causative organism. Prognosis was generally excellent after longterm therapy with penicillin.