Recurrent pelvic actinomycosis: a case report

Abstract

Background: Actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by an obligate anaerobic species from the genus Actinomyces. Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 36-year-old woman, who presented with recurrent episodes of abdominal pain since 2002. These bouts of abdominal pain increased in severity over the last 4 years, and the patient was subsequently diagnosed to have actinomycosis. Conclusion: Although intra-abdominal actinomycosis is very rare, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain, particularly in any women using an intra-uterine device and presenting with abdominal pain or a pelvic mass. If actinomycosis is suspected preoperatively, appropriate handling and processing of cultures can increase the diagnostic yield and may save the patient from an extensive surgery.