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Case report: percutaneous drainage of periappendiceal actinomycosis

S Goldwag1, P L Abbitt, B Watts

  • 1Department of Radiology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville.

Clinical Radiology
|December 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Abdominal actinomycosis, often from chronic gastrointestinal perforation, presents diagnostic challenges. This case highlights successful management using percutaneous catheter drainage and antibiotics for a ruptured appendix complication.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Abdominal actinomycosis is a rare bacterial infection often linked to chronic gastrointestinal tract perforation.
  • Delayed diagnosis is common, with patients frequently presenting with multiple abscesses and draining sinuses.
  • Traditional treatment involves prolonged oral antibiotics and surgical intervention, including abscess drainage and sinus excision.

Observation:

  • The study details a case of abdominal actinomycosis complicating a chronically ruptured appendix.
  • The patient exhibited classic signs of delayed diagnosis and complex infection.

Findings:

  • Percutaneous catheter drainage, combined with antibiotic therapy, provided effective management for this complex case.
  • This approach offers a less invasive alternative to extensive surgical procedures.

Implications:

  • Minimally invasive techniques like percutaneous drainage may be a viable option for abdominal actinomycosis.
  • Further research into non-surgical or less invasive treatments for abdominal actinomycosis is warranted.
  • Improved diagnostic strategies are needed to facilitate earlier detection and treatment of abdominal actinomycosis.

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