Ovarian actinomycosis mimicking ovarian malignant tumor with no history of intra-uterine device: a rare case

Abstract

Background: Pelvic actinomycosis constitutes 3% of all human actinomycosis infections, and is mostly associated with an intrauterine device (IUD). Ovarian actinomycosis with no history of IUD is very rare. Case Report: A 61-year-old female presented with ovarian actinomycosis mimicking ovarian malignant tumor. The present was a very rare case of ovarian actinomycosis with no history of IUD. The patient presented with abdominal pain and mild fever for a half year. On examination, bilateral ovarian tumors suspecting ovarian malignant tumor were detected. At the operation, the authors diagnosed the patient as bilateral ovarian abscess and performed a bilateral ovarian cystectomy. The pathological examination of bilateral ovary showed ovarian abscess, and immunohistochemistry of bilateral ovary showed ovarian actinomycosis. The diagnosis was established postoperatively. Conclusion: Although diagnosis of ovarian actinomycosis is very difficult, especially in patients with no history of IUD, ovarian actinomycosis should be considered in case of suspecting ovarian malignant tumor with abdominal pain and fever persisting for a long interval.