Abdominal actinomycosis: a rare complication after cholecystectomy.
We present a single case of abdominal actinomycosis occurring in a 74-year-old female with a history of cholecystectomy 42 months before presentation. In a review of the literature, we present risk factors, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of this infection. Abdominal actinomycosis is a rare, chronic, granulomatous infection characterized by the release of 'sulphur granules'. Actinomyces species should always be part of the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with a history of surgical or invasive procedures, presenting with an abdominal mass. Computed tomography (CT)-guided aspiration with or without core biopsy of this mass is a useful investigation. Diagnosis is often difficult: In less than 10% of cases, the diagnosis is made pre-operatively. Definitive diagnosis is often based on histochemical, macroscopic, and microscopic examination of tissue specimens. The disease should be treated with high doses of intravenous penicillin for 2-6 weeks followed by oral therapy for at least 6-12 months.
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X
Vanoeteren
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K
Devreese
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P
De Munter
D000190:Actinomyces / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000196:Actinomycosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002763:Cholecystectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008100:Liver Abscess / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
Actinomycosis abdominalis,; Actinomycosis neuii