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[Actinomycosis infection presenting as malignant pelvic frostbite]

L Negri1, E Cavalli, C Toschi

  • 1UO di Chirurgia Generale, Dipartimento di Chirurgia, Presidio Ospedaliero di Bentivoglio, ASL Bologna Nord, Bentivoglio (Bologna), Italy.

Minerva Chirurgica
|September 5, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Pelvic actinomycosis, a rare chronic infection, often mimics other conditions like cancer. This case highlights a severe pelvic actinomycosis infection in a woman using an intrauterine device, emphasizing diagnostic challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gynecologic Pathology

Background:

  • Actinomycosis is a chronic inflammatory condition, typically affecting the cervicofacial region.
  • Pelvic actinomycosis is uncommon and presents diagnostic challenges due to varied clinical manifestations.
  • It can be mistaken for neoplastic diseases, inflammatory bowel conditions, or gynecological disorders.

Observation:

  • A 43-year-old woman with prolonged intrauterine device use presented with severe pelvic actinomycosis.
  • The infection extensively involved the ovaries, urinary tract, and rectosigmoid.
  • Initial misdiagnosis occurred, with symptoms mimicking pelvic frostbite or a malignant neoplasm.

Findings:

  • The case demonstrates extensive pelvic involvement by chronic actinomycosis, a rare presentation.
  • Surgical intervention included bilateral hysterosalpingo-oophorectomy and urethral stent placement.
  • Diagnostic delays underscore the complexity of identifying pelvic actinomycosis.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering actinomycosis in the differential diagnosis of complex pelvic conditions.
  • Awareness of actinomycosis's diverse presentations is crucial for timely and accurate diagnosis.
  • Proper diagnosis and management are essential to prevent severe complications of pelvic actinomycosis.

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