Appendiceal actinomycosis mimicking malignant tumor: a rare case report

Abstract

Introduction: Actinomycosis is an uncommon bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces bacteria that typically progresses slowly and leads to the formation of masses. Although it commonly affects the cervicofacial area, about 20% of cases occur in the abdominopelvic region. Because the disease can be mistaken for a tumor due to its infiltrative mass-like nature on imaging, over 90% of cases are only diagnosed following surgery and histological confirmation. This report describes a case of an appendicular mass, initially suspected to be a malignant tumor, but eventually diagnosed as appendiceal actinomycosis. Presentation of Case: Upon initial presentation, a 53-year-old woman with type II diabetes mellitus and no prior surgical history, displayed abnormal appendiceal uptake during a PET-CT scan conducted for a suspected spinal tumor. Colonoscopy did not indicate any notable observations, and the patient chose to defer immediate action. Several months later, a CT scan revealed an increased mass-like appearance of the appendix compared to the previous PET-CT scan. After multidisciplinary discussions, a right laparoscopic hemicolectomy was recommended due to suspected malignancy. However, histological staining on microscopy confirmed actinomycosis originating from the appendix. Discussion: Chronic appendicitis with radiologic features similar to appendiceal carcinoma, or abdominal masses located in the ileocecal area, in patients with or without a previous surgical history should raise suspicion of actinomycosis. Conclusion: Appendiceal actinomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis in the etiology of chronic appendicitis mimicking appendiceal carcinoma. Awareness and accurate diagnosis of appendiceal actinomycosis can prevent unnecessary extended surgery as was performed in this case.