Actinomycosis of the appendix mimicking appendiceal tumor: a case report

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Infectious Diseases
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Actinomycosis is an uncommon chronic infectious disease with common involvement in cervicofacial, thoracic, and abdominopelvic regions.
• The ileocecal region, including the appendix, is the most frequently affected site in abdominopelvic actinomycosis.
• Previous reports of appendiceal actinomycosis often present with thickened appendiceal walls and peri-appendiceal inflammation, mimicking acute or perforated appendicitis.

Observation:

• This report details a pathologically confirmed case of intraluminal limited appendiceal actinomycosis.
• The key observation is the absence of peri-appendiceal infiltration in this specific case.
• Computed tomography and ultrasound imaging findings are presented for this unique presentation.

Findings:

• Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound revealed intraluminal appendiceal actinomycosis.
• Imaging findings were distinct from typical presentations of appendiceal actinomycosis, lacking peri-appendiceal inflammation.
• Pathological confirmation established the diagnosis of intraluminal actinomycosis within the appendix.

Implications:

• Highlights the diverse imaging manifestations of actinomycosis in the appendix.
• Emphasizes the importance of considering actinomycosis in the differential diagnosis of appendiceal pathologies, even without typical inflammatory signs.
• Contributes to the understanding of rare infectious disease presentations and their radiological characteristics.