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Updated: May 24, 2025
Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess
Published on: March 2, 2020
Pelvic abscess associated with Actinomyces species ‒ a rare post-cesarean complication
Yuping Wang1, Simone Ferrero2, Shasha Li1
1Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
Objectives:
Pelvic actinomycotic abscess is uncommon and its presentation as a post-cesarean complication may be confused with hemorrhagic mass. It is still a disease that poses a significant diagnostic challenge. Management and prognosis are not well known for this type of infection.
Case Presentation:
A 36-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital six days after the cesarean section with abdominal pain and dysuria. The second operation was diagnosed as pelvic abscess, debridement and drainage about 250 mL abscess. Bacterial culture of abscess confirmed as Actinomyces odontolyticus infection. Intravenous penicillin was given immediately, amoxicillin was taken orally for three months after discharge, and no recurrence was found after follow-up for ten months.
Conclusions:
Pelvic A. odontolyticus abscess may be confirmed through correct bacterial culture and cured by a short-term course of Amoxicillin. With prompt recognition and treatment, favorable outcomes of pelvic Actinomycotic abscess in the perinatal period could be achieved.
Insights
Pelvic actinomycotic abscess, a rare post-cesarean complication, can mimic other conditions. Prompt diagnosis and Amoxicillin treatment lead to favorable outcomes for this challenging infection.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pelvic actinomycotic abscess is an uncommon complication following cesarean section.
- Its presentation can be misdiagnosed as a hemorrhagic mass, posing a diagnostic challenge.
- Limited data exists on the management and prognosis of this specific infection.
Observation:
- A 36-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain and dysuria six days post-cesarean section.
- She was diagnosed with a pelvic abscess, requiring debridement and drainage of 250 mL.
- Bacterial cultures confirmed Actinomyces odontolyticus as the causative agent.
Findings:
- Prompt diagnosis of pelvic Actinomyces odontolyticus abscess is achievable through accurate bacterial culture.
- A short-term course of Amoxicillin effectively cured the infection.
- Intravenous penicillin followed by oral amoxicillin led to a favorable outcome with no recurrence during ten months of follow-up.
Implications:
- Early recognition and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing pelvic actinomycotic abscess.
- Successful treatment with Amoxicillin suggests a favorable prognosis for perinatal pelvic actinomycosis.
- This case highlights the importance of considering actinomycosis in post-cesarean pelvic abscesses.
