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[Abdominal actinomycosis. Three cases].
F Noomene1, K Zouari, W Kallel
1Service de chirurgie générale et digestive EPS F. Bourguiba Monastir 5000 Tunisie.
Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|May 20, 2003
Summary
Abdominal actinomycosis, a rare bacterial infection, often presents as tumors, making diagnosis challenging. Early detection and appropriate antibiotic treatment are crucial for managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Medical microbiology
- Surgical pathology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Abdominal actinomycosis is a rare suppurative infection caused by Actinomyces israelii.
- Clinical manifestations often mimic pseudotumoral syndromes, necessitating surgical intervention.
- Histopathological examination is typically required for definitive diagnosis.
Observation:
- Three cases of abdominal actinomycosis are presented, all exhibiting tumoral symptoms.
- Affected sites included the sigmoid colon, mesentery, and greater omentum with the abdominal wall.
- Preoperative diagnosis was not achieved in any of the reported cases.
- Two patients had a history of an intrauterine device.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of abdominal actinomycosis is challenging due to nonspecific radiologic findings.
- The condition is primarily treated with extended antibiotic courses.
- Surgical intervention is reserved for cases involving abdominal abscess or fistula formation.
Implications:
- These cases highlight the diagnostic difficulties associated with abdominal actinomycosis.
- Increased awareness and consideration of actinomycosis in patients with unexplained abdominal masses are warranted.
- Prompt diagnosis and management can prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.