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[Actinomycosis mimicking abdominal neoplasm]
1Dept. of Medicine A, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera.
Harefuah
|May 15, 1992
Summary
This case report details actinomycosis, a rare abdominal mass caused by Actinomyces israelii. Early diagnosis is challenging, often requiring surgery for definitive identification.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Actinomycosis is an infection caused by Actinomyces species, typically found as a normal inhabitant of the human oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract.
- Actinomyces israelii, an anaerobic, Gram-positive, filamentous bacterium, can cause disease following mucosal damage from trauma, surgery, or other conditions.
- Abdominal actinomycosis occurs in approximately 20% of cases, but presentation as a distinct abdominal mass is uncommon.
Observation:
- A case of a 56-year-old woman presenting with an abdominal mass is described.
- The clinical presentation mimicked abdominal neoplasm, posing diagnostic challenges.
- The mass was ultimately diagnosed as actinomycosis.
Findings:
- Actinomycosis can present as an abdominal mass, mimicking malignancy.
- Diagnosis of abdominal actinomycosis before surgical exploration is often difficult due to its rare presentation.
- Actinomyces israelii requires mucosal barrier disruption for infection to occur.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering actinomycosis in the differential diagnosis of abdominal masses, even when neoplasm is suspected.
- Awareness of this rare presentation can aid clinicians in earlier diagnosis and appropriate management, potentially avoiding unnecessary extensive surgical procedures.
- Further research into non-invasive diagnostic methods for abdominal actinomycosis could improve patient outcomes.