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[Actinomycosis of the appendix. Case report]

S Luncă1, N Romedea

  • 1Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie Gr.T. Popa Iaşi, Facultatea de Medicină, Clinica de Urgenţe Chirurgicale.

Revista Medico-Chirurgicala a Societatii De Medici Si Naturalisti Din Iasi
|April 19, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Abdominal actinomycosis, a rare infection caused by Actinomyces, often mimics acute appendicitis. Early diagnosis through histopathology and combined antibiotic therapy with surgery ensures a successful cure for this granulomatous disease.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Surgical Pathology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Abdominal actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous suppurative disease.
  • It is caused by anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria of the Actinomyces species.
  • The vermiform appendix and ileocecal region are frequently affected.

Observation:

  • Appendiceal actinomycosis typically presents acutely, resembling acute appendicitis.
  • A 62-year-old male patient presented with symptoms consistent with acute appendicitis.
  • Ultrasound supported the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, leading to an appendectomy.

Findings:

  • Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of actinomycosis.
  • Intraperitoneal fluid cultures were negative.
  • The patient achieved a definitive cure with combined surgical treatment and long-term antibiotic therapy.

Implications:

  • Appendiceal actinomycosis is a rare condition requiring clinical awareness.
  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and patient outcomes.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare infections in differential diagnoses.

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