Pelvic actinomycosis-associated dysplastic granulocytes: are they truly dysplastic?

Abstract

Breach of the gastrointestinal system by intraabdominal actinomycosis can cause extensive formation of abscesses and/or fistulae within the peritoneal cavity. With the exception of few reports revealing left shift, the hematologic manifestations in response to actinomycosis infection have rarely been explored. Here, we present a patient with severe actinomycosis infection requiring both surgical and medical treatment, who showed dysplastic granulocytes resembling those reported in primary hematologic malignancies such as myelodysplastic syndrome or myeloid leukemia. Resolution of granulocytic dysplasia occurred after medical and surgical treatment, implying these changes are likely reactive responses to severe actinomycosis infection.