Treatment strategy for pelvic actinomycosis: case report and review of the literature

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2000 Apr;89(2):197-200. doi: 10.1016/s0301-2115(99)00173-6.

Abstract

Background: Pelvic actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous suppurative disease caused by an anaerobic Gram positive organism Actinomyces israelii usually associated with intra-uterine devices. Pelvic actinomycosis can mimick pelvic or intra-abdominal malignancy leading to mutilating surgical exeresis.

Results: We present a pelvic actinomycosis secondary to long-standing intra-uterine device use in a 50-year old European woman treated by intravenous antibiotic therapy, and then by a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingoophorectomy to free the pelvis from abscess. We point out the difficulty in diagnosis, and the importance of high-dose intravenous antibiotic therapy to reduce the very high risk for nearby pelvic structure injuries, reported in the literature, leading to post-operative morbidity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Actinomycosis / diagnosis
  • Actinomycosis / therapy*
  • Adnexal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Adnexal Diseases / therapy*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intrauterine Devices / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents