Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2011 Apr;54(4):210-213. 10.5468/KJOG.2011.54.4.210.

A case of pelvic actinomycosis mistaken for advanced ovarian cancer

• Yang JS
• Jeong YH
• Kang YD
• Kim JS
• Park JW

• KMID: 2013241
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5468/KJOG.2011.54.4.210

Abstract

Actinomycosis is a normal inhabitant of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Pelvic actinomycosis is a rare disease that can result in abscess formation, bowel obstruction, and other serious complications. Diagnosis can seldom be established before radical surgery because the disease often mimics pelvic neoplasms and depends on anaerobic culture or histologic identification of the organism. It has been recently recognized that pelvic actinomycosis is associated with long-term use of an intrauterine contraceptive device. But we had experienced a case of pelvic actinomycosis mimicking ovarian malignancy with a right hydronephrosis and lymph node enlargement in aortocarval and left paraaortic area in woman who did not use intra-uterine device.

Keyword

Pelvic actinomycosis

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Actinomycosis
Female
Gastrointestinal Tract
Humans
Hydronephrosis
Intrauterine Devices
Lymph Nodes
Mouth
Ovarian Neoplasms
Pelvic Neoplasms
Rare Diseases

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. Contrast-enhanced CT image shows 7.0×9.1×7.0 cm sized elongated multiloculated cystic mass with enhancing solid portion in right adnexa.

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  Fig. 2. Contrast-enhanced CT image shows right hydroureteronephrosis (arrow).

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  Fig. 3. Contrast-enhanced coronal CT image shows lymph node enlargement in aortocaval and left paraaortic area (arrow).

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  Fig. 4. ‘Sulfur granule’. Hematoxylin and eosin stain illustrating a microscopic abscess of tangled actinomyces surrounded by neutrophils (×400).

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