Primary Actinomycosis of the Greater Omentum: Report of a Case

Abstract

Actinomycosis is a granulomatous suppurative disease caused mainly by Actinomyces israelii which is a normal saprophyte of the oral cavity, nasopharynx and gastrointestinal tract. In most instances, the onset of abdominal disease is preceded by an antecedent surgical, traumatic or inflammatory incident resulting in the perforation of the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. Isolate actinomycosis of the greater omentum is extremely rare. We report a 64-year-old female patient, who was suspected as being an immune incompetent individual and developed an actinomycosis of the greater omentum without other hollow or solid organ involvement. Omentectomy was performed and prolonged antibiotic therapy was given. She recovered well after treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the seventh report of omental actinomycosis not requiring resection of the intestine for the total removal of the disease tissue. Adequate surgical drainage or excision and intensive prolonged antibiotic therapy provide a cure in most cases.