[Vertebral actinomycosis: case report and review of the literature].

Abstract In this article, the case of a 32-year-old man with a paravertebral actinomycosis is discussed. Initially, the diagnosis was not obvious but it was confirmed later with the repetitive radiologic procedures, the elimination of other etiologies (purulent, mycobacterial or mycotic infections and neoplasia) and the biopsy. Treatment with penicillin initially and then with tetracycline for a long term led to a very good outcome at a 3-year follow-up with a radiologic remission. Following the discussion of the case, a review of the literature concerning the paravertebral actinomycosis, its diagnostic clues and treatment is undertaken.