Pelvic Actinomycosis Masquerading as Malignancy
Journal Title: Gynecology and Obstetrics Research – Open Journal - Year 2016, Vol 3, Issue 2
Abstract
Pelvic actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous suppurative disease caused by Actinomyces israeli. The opportunistic anaerobic bacterium Actinomycosis israeli is a normal part of the human flora in the oropharynx, gastrointestinal and genital tract.1 More than 50% of actinomycosis infections occur in the craniofacial region. Pelvic infection accounts for 20% of human cases.2 Abdominal-pelvic actinomycosis is often mistaken for other conditions, presenting a pre-operative diagnostic challenge. The infection mimics ovarian tumors and tuberculosis and is diagnosed only after surgery in most of the cases. Actinomycosis secrete proteolytic enzymes, disrupt tissue planes and compress surrounding tissues which makes their presentation closer to a malignant process.3 Slow growing nature of actinomyces, non-specific clinical presentation and extensive spread before the diagnosis is made often pose a clinical challenge. Owing to slow growing nature and chronic inflammatory process, pre-operative diagnosis is difficult and is often made retrospectively after surgical debulking. Infection is rare in infants and children. Many cases are found in women using intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD). Actinomycosis is 3 times more common in men than women. Alcoholism, intravenous drug abuse, peptic ulcer, and biliary tract disease are risk factors for actinomycosis.4 It is most commonly found in regions of low socio-economic status and poor hygiene.5 We review a case of pelvic actinomycosis that was managed at the Obstetric and Gynecology Department of K. J. Somaiya Hospital, Mumbai, India.
Authors and Affiliations
Aakash Pandita
Keywords
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- EP ID EP553807
- DOI 10.17140/ GOROJ-3-135
- Views 190
- Downloads 0
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