Pelvic actinomycosis: a rare entity presenting as tubo-ovarian abscess

Abstract

A 24-year-old woman having two children using an intrauterine contraceptive device was admitted with lower abdominal pain and fever. On clinical and radiographic examination revealed a 7x6 cm multi-loculated cystic mass in the lower abdomen. The differential diagnosis included twisted ovarian cyst, ectopic pregnancy, tubercular tubo-ovarian (TO) mass red degeneration fibroid, diverticular diseases, emphysematous cystitis, pelvic malignancy, and mesenteric cyst. On histologic examination, an actinomycotic TO abscess was found with sulfur granules.