Pelvic Actinomycosis

• Autor(a) principal: Veiga,José
• Data de Publicação: 2022
• Outros Autores: Santos,Margarida Varela dos, Dias,João Lopes
• Tipo de documento: Relatório
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (Repositórios Cientìficos)
• Texto Completo: http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2183-13512022000200027
• topic: Actinomycosis; Actinomyces; Bacterial infection; Pelvic infection; Intrauterine Device; Magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract Actinomycosis is a rare chronic infection, caused by gram-positive bacteria from the Actinomyces species, which is part of the endogenous flora of the oral cavity, gastrointestinal and female genital tracts. In order to cause infection, disruption of the mucosal barrier is imperative. Long-standing IUD (intra-uterine device) is a risk factor. We, hereby, present a case of a 32-year-old woman who presented with lower abdominal pain and a tender mass. The inflammatory parameters increased progressively. There was a history of IUD usage. Ultrasound, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging demonstrated a heterogeneous enhancing mass-like extending from the bladder to the rectus abdominis muscle, with restricted diffusion and extensive regional oedema. Aspiration cytology revealed bacteria Parvimonas micra and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. However, the patient underwent surgery and the histopathological findings showed an abscess with microorganisms compatible with Actinomyces.