Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
05:42
An Ex Vivo Model of Ovarian Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis Using Human Omentum
Published on: January 26, 2024
[Actinomycosis resembling an ovarian malignancy]
Sara R C Driessen1, Wietske C E den Hartog, Alexander A W Peters
1Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, Afd. Gynaecologie, Leiden, the Netherlands. S.R.C.Driessen@lumc.nl
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|April 19, 2012
Summary
Pelvic actinomycosis, a rare infection often linked to intrauterine devices (IUDs), can mimic ovarian cancer. Early diagnosis and long-term antibiotic treatment are crucial for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic infections
- Microbiology
- Surgical pathology
Background:
- Actinomyces species are uncommon pathogens causing pelvic infections, particularly in women using intrauterine devices (IUDs).
- Pelvic actinomycosis presents with symptoms that can be easily mistaken for gynecologic malignancies, complicating diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain and fever, leading to a strong suspicion of ovarian carcinoma.
- Laparotomy revealed a rare Actinomyces infection instead of malignancy, highlighting diagnostic challenges.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination confirmed Actinomyces infection, necessitating long-term antibiotic therapy.
- The patient's condition improved significantly with postoperative antibiotic treatment.
Implications:
- Differentiating actinomycosis from malignancy is challenging due to limited diagnostic tools, often leading to delayed diagnosis.
- Effective treatment requires prolonged antibiotic administration, potentially combined with surgery for extensive infections.
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