Retroperitoneal fibrosis secondary to actinomycosis with no intrauterine device

Abstract

Background: Actinomycotic pelvic infection usually occurs in the presence of an intrauterine device. It can result in pelvic inflammatory disease, tubo-ovarian abscess, and retroperitoneal fibrosis.

Case: A 35-year-old multipara who had never used an intrauterine device presented with a 5-month history of progressively worsening, colicky, right-sided abdominal pain, dysuria, weight loss, and constipation. She was found to have retroperitoneal fibrosis. The diagnosis of actinomycotic pelvic infection was made at laparotomy.

Conclusion: Actinomycosis may be considered in the differential diagnosis of women with retroperitoneal fibrosis, even when there is no history of an intrauterine device.