Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
IntroductionActinomyces are slow growing, non-spore forming, gram-positive, branching bacilli that thrive in anaerobic and microareophilic conditions. Actinomyces are more commonly associated with oral and cervicofacial infections. Hepatic involvement in infections of the abdomen (known as isolated hepatic actinomycosis) is rare, accounting for only 5% of all cases of actinomycosis.Case presentationWe present the case of a 75-year-old Caucasian woman with a 3-month history of night sweats, fever, chills, abdominal bloating, anorexia, weight-loss, and early satiety. The patient was found to have isolated hepatic actinomycosis infection after undergoing a laparotomy with a biopsy of the liver. The patient has now recovered.ConclusionIsolated hepatic actinomycosis is a rare and often overlooked etiology for a liver mass. Given its subacute presentation and nondescript symptomatology, physicians should be aware of this differential and the potential pitfalls in diagnosis and management.
Highlights
Actinomyces are slow growing, non-spore forming, gram-positive, branching bacilli that thrive in anaerobic and microareophilic conditions
Given its subacute presentation and nondescript symptomatology, physicians should be aware of this differential and the potential pitfalls in diagnosis and management
Hepatic involvement has been reported in 15% of those with abdominal infections, and represents 5% of all cases of actinomycosis [1]
Summary
Actinomyces are slow growing, non-spore forming, gram-positive, branching bacilli that thrive in anaerobic and microareophilic conditions. The patient underwent imaging with an ultrasound of the liver and a CT of the abdomen Both demonstrated a lesion in the posterior right lobe of the liver near the dome, measuring 6.9 × 7.4 cm, concerning for abscess and malignancy (Figure 1). Gastroenterology, as well as infectious disease consults were obtained and the patient subsequently underwent liver core biopsy and aspiration These tests revealed normal hepatocytes and organizing abscess respectively and both were negative for neoplasm. Characteristic sulfur granules were demonstrated on frozen section as well (Figure 4) The patient tolerated these procedures well and continued on a course of intravenous clindamycin for 15 days with transition to oral dosing lasting for a total of 6 months. She fully recovered and later imaging with CT demonstrated complete resolution of the liver abnormality
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
