Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026
Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis
Published on: October 29, 2014
Actinomyces infection as a complication of a post-radiotherapy rectal ulcer
Carmen Martos Plasencia1, Pilar Olivencia Palomar1, Roberto Patón Arenas1
1Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, ESPAÑA.
Introduction:
Pelvic radiotherapy is associated with early and late local complication. Actinomyces bacterium is part of the saprophyte flora, although some infection underlying factors are known , the pathophysiology of the disease is still unexplained. Frequently it is involved in oral, gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.
Case Report:
We present the description of a clinical case supported with images. So that we have developed a bibliographical research in Pubmed data base including the following key words: Ulcer, rectum, brachitherapy and Actinomyces. The most recent original articles published in the last teen years, related with the pathology observed in the patient of the case, were selected.
Discussion:
Brachitherapy over pelvic beds ( prostate, cervix and uterus) could be associated with digestive complications specially in the rectum. Those complications might oscillate from mild inflammatory changes in the mucosa to serious damages as ulcers and lack of tissue. This situation increase the risk of opportunistic infections which could endanger the clinical improve of our patients. We suggest to remember those germen in the diagnosis process in other to achieve an early diagnosis and to use a targeted treatment.
Insights
Pelvic radiotherapy can lead to rectal complications like ulcers, potentially caused by Actinomyces infections. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment are crucial for patient recovery.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pelvic radiotherapy, commonly used for gynecological and prostate cancers, is linked to local complications.
- Actinomyces, a bacterium, can cause infections, but its role in radiotherapy-induced rectal issues is not fully understood.
Observation:
- A clinical case involving rectal ulcers following pelvic brachytherapy is presented.
- Literature review identified limited studies on Actinomyces-related rectal complications post-brachytherapy.
Findings:
- Brachytherapy of pelvic organs (prostate, cervix, uterus) may cause digestive issues, particularly rectal ulcers.
- These complications range from mucosal inflammation to tissue damage, increasing opportunistic infection risk.
Implications:
- Recognizing Actinomyces in the differential diagnosis of post-radiotherapy rectal ulcers is vital.
- Prompt diagnosis and specific treatment can improve clinical outcomes for affected patients.
