Actinomycotic Tumor of the Abdominal Wall

Abstract

We present the case of an elderly patient with abdominal pain, weight loss, and subjective fever in whom a magnetic resonance imaging study revealed a perihepatic abscess without invasion. After drainage, anaerobic cultures yielded Actinomycosis israelii. We discuss Actinomycosis species, with an emphasis on its pathology and multiple presentations.

Isolated Abdominal Wall Actinomycosis Associated with an Intrauterine Contraceptive Device: A Case Report and Review of the Relevant Literature

“…There is no doubt that long-term use of an IUCD represents a risk factor for pelvic actinomycosis and potentially for secondary dissemination to a distant site such as in the abdominal wall. The infection rarely disseminates by either lymphatics or the hematogenous route [2, 3, 10]. As in the presented case, the actinomycosis infection was associated with the prolonged use of IUCD (Multiload Cu-375) which has a normal life-span of three to five years.…”

“…Actinomycosis is a chronic abscess-forming disease predominantly caused by Actinomyces israelii . Pathologic presentations of actinomycosis include cervicofacial (50% of cases), abdominal (20%), thoracic (20%), and pelvic involvement (15%) [10]. The destruction of mucosal barrier by trauma, operations, immunosuppression, and chronic inflammatory disease is recognized as predisposing factors for the penetration of the bacteria [9].…”

“…When antibiotic therapy is combined with surgery, it is relatively simple to treat, and the cure rate is more than 90% [3, 10, 21]. Penicilin and tetracycline are both effective.…”

Abdominal Wall Mass

“…6 These filamentous bacteria usually colonize the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina. 5,6 A previous theory 4,5 suggested that infection could be secondary to a breakdown in mucosal integrity resulting from surgery (eg, appendectomy) or trauma. However, when the site of the primary abscess is not related to disruption of the mucosal barrier, hematologic spread may be suspected.…”

Abdominal wall actinomycosis simulating a malignant neoplasm: Case report and review of the literature

“…Primary abdominal wall localization is rare; up to 2004 only nine cases have been reported in the English medical literature [13,14] . In our case, the patient reported the use of an IUD in the past with no information about how many years she used it or when it was removed.…”