[Diagnosis and therapy of liver actinomycosis]

A 47-year-old man who had undergone gastrectomy for duodenal ulcer required repeated hospitalization due to recurrent fistulas in the region of the laparotomy scar and increased cholestasis and cachexia. An intrahepatic and subphrenic abscess was diagnosed clinically and by liver scan and confirmed by laparotomy. The histologic findings revealed actinomycosis. Through early surgical drainage and administration of 20 million units penicillin G daily it proved possible to discharge the patient completely cured after 2 months. The pathogenesis of liver actinomycosis is discussed.