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Isolated hepatic actinomycosis: a case report.
Thomas Lall1, Thomas M Shehab, Paul Valenstein
1Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital, 5301 McAuley Drive, Ypsilanti, Michigan, MI 48197, USA. shehabt@trinity-health.org.
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|February 26, 2010
Summary
Isolated hepatic actinomycosis is a rare cause of liver masses. Early recognition of this actinomyces infection is crucial for proper diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Actinomyces are gram-positive bacilli typically causing oral and cervicofacial infections.
- Isolated hepatic actinomycosis is a rare manifestation, accounting for only 5% of actinomycosis cases.
- These bacteria thrive in anaerobic environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of isolated hepatic actinomycosis.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and clinical presentation of this rare condition.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 75-year-old woman with a 3-month history of constitutional symptoms.
- Diagnosis confirmed via liver biopsy during laparotomy.
- Patient successfully treated and recovered.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with non-specific symptoms including night sweats, fever, weight loss, and abdominal bloating.
- Isolated hepatic actinomycosis was identified as the cause of the liver mass.
- The patient experienced a full recovery after treatment.
Conclusions:
- Isolated hepatic actinomycosis is an uncommon but important differential diagnosis for liver masses.
- Subacute presentation and vague symptoms can delay diagnosis.
- Awareness among physicians is key to avoid diagnostic and management pitfalls.
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