Actinomycotic osteomyelitis of the mandible with bone destruction: Two case reports with a review of the Japanese literatures

Abstract

Mandibular actinomycosis, which is mainly caused by Actinomyces israelii, is characterized by trismus and multiple abscesses. The associated destruction of the jaw bone in cases of mandibular actinomycosis is rare. As the clinical symptoms and imaging findings of this disease are similar to those in malignant tumors, a biopsy should be performed at an early stage to facilitate a definitive diagnosis. To date, no studies have reported on the incidence and management of actinomycotic osteomyelitis.Here, we report two cases of actinomycotic osteomyelitis with bone destruction, and review the literature for similar cases that have been reported in Japan.