[Adnexal actinomycosis in a woman using an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD)]

Ginekol Pol. 1987 Jan;58(1):26-30.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

PIP: The case-study of genital actinomycosis in a 33-year old woman wearing a "Copper T200" IUD is presented. She was hospitalized and treated for lower abdominal pain and non-characteristic signs of adnexitis twice. Adnexectomy on the left side was performed to remove an orange-size cyst. Histo-pathological examination of a prepared tissue sample revealed a colony of Actinomyces. Following the operation the patient was treated with 3 x 500 mg Flagyl (metronidazole) 3 x 80 mg of Gentamicin im. The wound healed in 19 days after operation. This woman had worn the IUD continuously for more than 3 years, thus there was an increased risk of uterine lesions. The most frequent consequences of wearing IUDs for a long time are dysmenorrhea and endometritis and therapeutic approaches are detailed. Since its first description in the literature in 1857 actinomycosis has not been mentioned frequently. However, with the spread of IUDs, the number of actinomycosis-like cases has increased and this justifies the need for improved diagnosis. The frequency of actinomycosis occurring in women wearing IUDs ranges between 1.6% and 19.7%

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Actinomycosis / etiology*
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intrauterine Devices, Copper / adverse effects*
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease / etiology*