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Actinomycosis of the larynx
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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More detailed information about actinomycosis is presented in the article " Actinomycosis of the pharynx ". Here we will focus only on the manifestations of actinomycosis of the larynx, which is usually associated with actinomycosis of the oral cavity and pharynx.
In very rare cases, actinomycosis of the larynx occurs primarily in an isolated form.
[ Causes of laryngeal actinomycosis
In classical works, the fungus Actinomyces bovis was accepted as the causative agent, however, from the latest works of the Romanian otolaryngologist V. Racovenu (1964), it follows that the true causative agent of actinomycosis is the parasite Actinomyces Israeli.
Pathogenesis
Actinomycosis of the larynx is manifested by the formation of nodes on the epiglottis, aryepiglottic and vestibular folds, which are subject to decay with the formation of fistulas, through which a yellow purulent fluid is released into the lumen of the larynx, containing crumbly inclusions and long branching threads characteristic of actinomycosis, due to which this fungus received the name radiant. In normal cases, when the cervicofacial region is primarily affected, and the larynx is secondarily affected, in the latter, the lesion causes both internal and external perichondritis of the laryngeal cartilages. At the same time, the cervical lymph nodes are affected, which disintegrate with the formation of external fistulas and disfiguring scars.
Symptoms of actinomycosis of the larynx
Symptoms manifest themselves in the form of functional disorders - dysphagia and severe difficulty breathing, which are aggravated by secondary laryngeal edema. Laryngoscopy reveals the above changes.
Where does it hurt?
What's bothering you?
Diagnosis of actinomycosis of the larynx
Diagnosis is difficult in isolated laryngeal actinomycosis. In the initial stage, laryngeal actinomycosis can be confused with a benign tumor, in the progressive stage - with syphilis, tuberculosis, cancer. The final diagnosis is established based on clinical data and the results of a study of the discharge from the inflammatory focus, in which actinomycete druses are found. In addition, a diagnostic skin-allergic study with actinolysate and a number of other studies are carried out.
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Treatment of actinomycosis of the larynx
Treatment of laryngeal actinomycosis is complex. It includes methods of increasing specific immunity by using actinolysate and other immunostimulants, general strengthening and stimulating therapy, prescription of antibacterial, antiseptic and desensitizing drugs, physiotherapeutic methods, and X-ray therapy. Abscesses are widely opened, necrotic tissues and cartilaginous sequesters are removed.
Prognosis for actinomycosis of the larynx
When the larynx is affected, actinomycosis of the larynx has a serious prognosis both in terms of disability of the patient, doomed to permanent cannula-carrying with extensive destruction of the larynx, and in terms of life in the event of acute stenosis and asphyxia. With timely treatment, the disease is curable.