Abdominal actinomycosis, an unusual cause of intestinal obstruction

Abstract

Background: Actinomycosis is a rare inflammatory disease caused by an anaerobic bacterium, Actinomyces israelii.
Aim: To report a case of abdominal actinomycosis presenting as intestinal obstruction.
Setting: University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt.
Case report: A 54-year-old gentleman was involved in a road traffic accident in which he sustained fractures of the right humerus and pubic rami. A month later, he developed signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction. At operation, a retroperitoneal mass obstructing the transverse colon and the proximal ileum was found and resected. Histological examination confirmed the mass to be due to actinomycosis infection. The patient was therefore placed on a parenteral therapy of 20 mega units of crystalline penicillin daily for three weeks and then a maintenance therapy of oral Amoxycillin for another six months. He recovered fully from the infection.
Conclusion: Abdominal actinomycosis infection is an uncommon disease entity. Careful and expert histopathological analysis is essential in post operative diagnosis.


Port Harcourt Medical Journal Vol. 1(1) September 2006: 65-67