Large bowel obstruction in a young woman simulating a malignant neoplasm: a case report of actinomyces infection

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R Nissi1, R B Blanco Sequeiros, E Lappi-Blanco

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 24, 90029 Oulu, Finland.

Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology
|August 13, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Pelvic actinomycosis, often mimicking cancer, can be challenging to diagnose preoperatively. Early suspicion in cases of unexplained abdominal masses, possibly linked to intrauterine devices (IUDs), is crucial for timely treatment and avoiding extensive surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gynecologic Oncology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Pelvic and intra-abdominal actinomycosis present diagnostic challenges, often mimicking malignancies.
  • Actinomycosis is a rare bacterial infection that can cause abscesses and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the diagnostic difficulties of pelvic actinomycosis.
  • To present a case of pelvic actinomycosis likely associated with a long-standing intrauterine device (IUD).
  • To emphasize the importance of considering actinomycosis in intra-abdominal masses of uncertain origin.

Main Methods:

  • Case report presentation.
  • Review of clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and management.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with pelvic actinomycosis, presumed to be caused by a long-standing IUD.
  • Preoperative diagnosis was challenging due to the mimicry of other intra-abdominal pathologies.

Conclusions:

  • Intra-abdominal actinomycosis, though rare, should be suspected in patients with intra-abdominal masses of unclear etiology.
  • Early recognition of actinomycosis can prevent unnecessary extensive surgical interventions.
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a potential risk factor for pelvic actinomycosis.

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