Pseudo-colonic carcinoma caused by abdominal actinomycosis: report of two cases.
BACKGROUND
Abdominal actinomycosis is an infrequent chronic, suppurative infection caused by the aerobic gram-positive bands Actinomyces israelii.


METHODS
We report two cases of abdominal actinomycosis, simulating colon cancer. Before operation, both patients presented with abdominal pain and a palpable mass. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed an infiltrating irregular mass in the cecum and transverse colon, respectively. Surgical intervention was then performed under the impression of colonic malignancy.


CONCLUSIONS
Postoperatively, pathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of abdominal actinomycosis in which the characteristic finding of sulfur granules in the resected specimen was demonstrated. After surgery, the patients continued antibiotic treatment with ampicillin for 2 months at our OPD and had no signs of recurrence 1 year after surgery.
Huang
Chau-Jiunn
CJ
Department of Surgery, Jiannren Hospital, 136 Nan-Yang Rd., Nan Tzu Dist., Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Huang
Tsung-Jen
TJ
Hsieh
Jan-Sing
JS
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000196:Actinomycosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000328:Adult; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007420:Intestine, Large / Q000382:microbiology*; D008297:Male; D008643:Mesentery / Q000382:microbiology*; D008875:Middle Aged