Actinomyces infection as a complication of a post-radiotherapy rectal ulcer.
BACKGROUND
Pelvic radiotherapy is associated with early and late local complication. Actinomyces bacterium is part of the saprophyte flora, although some infection underlying factors are known , the pathophysiology of the disease is still unexplained. Frequently it is involved in oral, gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.


METHODS
We present the description of a clinical case supported with images. So that we have developed a bibliographical research in Pubmed data base including the following key words: Ulcer, rectum, brachitherapy and Actinomyces. The most recent original articles published in the last teen years, related with the pathology observed in the patient of the case, were selected.


CONCLUSIONS
Brachitherapy over pelvic beds ( prostate, cervix and uterus) could be associated with digestive complications specially in the rectum. Those complications might oscillate from mild inflammatory changes in the mucosa to serious damages as ulcers and lack of tissue. This situation increase the risk of opportunistic infections which could endanger the clinical improve of our patients. We suggest to remember those germen in the diagnosis process in other to achieve an early diagnosis and to use a targeted treatment.
Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, ESPAÑA.
Carmen
C
Martos Plasencia
Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, ESPAÑA.
Pilar
P
Olivencia Palomar
Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, ESPAÑA.
Roberto
R
Patón Arenas
DIGESTIVO, HGUCR, ESPAÑA.
Cristina
C
Verdejo Gil
Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, ESPAÑA.
Rosario
R
Salmoral Luque
Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, ESPAÑA.
Melvyn
M
Peña Gómez
Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, ESPAÑA.
Eva
E
De la Santa Belda
Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, ESPAÑA.
Bartolomé
B
López Viedma
Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, ESPAÑA.
José
J
Olmedo Camacho
D000196:Actinomycosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy; D000368:Aged; D003125:Colostomy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014456:Ulcer / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery