title: Abdominal actinomycosis.
abstract: Abdominal actinomycosis seldom occurs before puberty. The symptomatology of abdominal actinomycosis is non-specific and the diagnosis is difficult to make. Previously, this condition was associated with a high mortality rate. The following patient had a flank abscess due to actinomycosis as a late complication of perforated appendix which was diagnosed by biopsy and culture. The patient responded to a prolonged course of chemotherapy with intravenous penicillin and metronidazole. This case illustrates the problems encountered in the diagnosis and management of childhood actinomycosis.
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D000196:Actinomycosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D001062:Appendectomy; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D010406:Penicillins; D008795:Metronidazole