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Actinomycosis: CT findings in six patients
H A Allen1, J C Scatarige, M H Kim
1Department of Radiology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk 23501.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Actinomycosis is a rare infection mimicking other conditions. CT scans show soft-tissue masses, infiltration, and abscesses, aiding diagnosis in neck, liver, and abdominal cases.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Actinomycosis presents with diverse clinical and radiographic features.
- It often mimics inflammatory and neoplastic diseases, complicating diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the spectrum of computed tomography (CT) findings in proven cases of actinomycosis.
- To evaluate the utility of contrast-enhanced CT in diagnosing actinomycosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of CT scans from six confirmed actinomycosis cases.
- Analysis of imaging findings, including soft-tissue mass, infiltration, abscess formation, and involvement sites.
- Assessment of contrast administration's role in defining abscesses.
Main Results:
- CT revealed soft-tissue masses with infiltration and abscess formation in all cases.
- Commonly involved sites included the neck, liver, abdominal wall, thorax, kidney, and retroperitoneum.
- Intravenous contrast enhanced the visualization of abscess loculations.
Conclusions:
- CT findings of soft-tissue masses, with or without sinus/fistula, suggest actinomycosis.
- Imaging findings, particularly with contrast, aid in suspecting this uncommon infection.
- Consider actinomycosis in subacute/chronic inflammatory processes with suggestive CT findings.