A rare diagnosis of pulmonary actinomycosis by bronchoalveolar lavage cytology

Pulmonary actinomycosis is a rare chronic infective condition, that posesa diagnostic challenge and often mimics tuberculosis, lung abscess, and malignancy. Although the histopathologic or microbiologic examination is the confirmatory diagnostic method, few cases have been reported on cytologic specimens. We report a rare case of pulmonary actinomycosis diagnosed on bronchoalveolar lavage and discussed the diagnostic approach to arrive at an early diagnosis for proper management.