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[An ischiorectal abscess due to Actinomyces]
M Aldamiz-Echebarría San Sebastián1, J C Vesga Carasa, A Aspiazu Alonso-Urquijo
1Hospital Txagorritxu, Vitoria, Alava.
Revista Clinica Espanola
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Actinomycosis, a rare bone infection, was diagnosed in a patient presenting with hip pain and fever. Successful treatment involved a combination of intravenous and oral penicillin, leading to full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Microbiology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease caused by Actinomyces bacteria.
- Bone involvement in actinomycosis is infrequent, occurring in 1-15% of cases.
- This condition often presents with challenging diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- A patient experienced intermittent fever, right hip pain, and functional impairment.
- Computed Tomography (CT) revealed an ischium-rectal abscess.
- The abscess spontaneously fistulized, allowing for sample collection.
Findings:
- Biopsy and anaerobic culture of the fistulized sample identified Actinomyces israelii.
- Anatomopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of actinomycosis.
- Bone infection was confirmed as the primary issue.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering actinomycosis in the differential diagnosis of hip pain and abscesses.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy, such as penicillin, are crucial for successful outcomes.
- Effective management can lead to complete symptom resolution and radiological normalization.