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Published on: October 29, 2014

Ileocecal actinomycosis: a case report

L Thanos1, S Mylona, V Kalioras

  • 1Radiology Department, Korgialeneio-Benakeio, Red Cross Hospital of Athens, Athanasaki 1 St., 11526 Athens, Greece. louthard@yahoo.com

Abdominal Imaging
|May 27, 2004
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of abdominal actinomycosis presented as an inflammatory mass in a 51-year-old male. Surgical resection and histology confirmed actinomycosis lesions in the perienteric fat.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Actinomycosis is a rare bacterial infection typically caused by *Actinomyces israelii*.
  • It can manifest in various body sites, including the abdomen, often mimicking other conditions like malignancy or inflammatory bowel disease.

Observation:

  • A 51-year-old male presented with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea.
  • Spiral computed tomography (CT) revealed an inflammatory mass with cystic and solid features in the ileocecal region, extending to the peritoneum and right iliopsoas muscle, with associated lymphadenopathy.

Findings:

  • Histopathological examination after surgical resection confirmed the presence of actinomycosis lesions.
  • The lesions were specifically identified within the perienteric fat.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering actinomycosis in the differential diagnosis of ileocecal masses, especially when imaging findings are atypical.
  • Accurate diagnosis through histology is crucial for appropriate treatment, which typically involves prolonged antibiotic therapy.

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