Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Acupoint Catgut Embedding for Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain Due to the Sequelae of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Published on: May 3, 2024
Actinomycosis of the appendix and pelvis: a case report
Panagiotis Peitsidis1, Christos Papadimitriou, Alexandros Rodolakis
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra General Hospital, Athens, Greece. peitsidi@ath.forthnet.gr
Background:
Actinomycosis is a chronic infection caused by Actinomyces israeli, a gram-positive saprophytic anaerob, a normal inhabitant of the upper intestinal tract.
Case:
We report a case of a 35-year-old female with an intrauterine device (IUD) who appeared in the emergency department with clinical characteristics of appendicitis. Ultrasound and computed tomography were performed, revealing an ovarian tumor formation and acute appendicitis. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, unilateral ovarectomy due to acute abscess and finally appendectomy. Diagnosis of actinomycosis was established with the presence of sulphur granules microscopically. The patient received penicillin for an extended period. Two years have passed and no clinical recurrence was mentioned.
Conclusion:
Actinomycosis is not easily apparent because of its rarity. Inflammatory intestinal and pelvic disease can easily mislead the diagnosis, giving the impression of a neoplastic process. The drug of choice is penicillin, initiating a long-term aggressive therapy. The antimicrobial treatment lasts from 6 months to a year. Prognosis is very good. The role of IUD as a factor in the dissemination of the infection is very important. Physicians should be aware of actinomycosis in cases of abdominopelvic infiltrating masses.
Related Concept Videos
Appendicitis
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
Amebiasis
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
