Primary abdominal wall actinomycosis

Abstract

Purpose: Actinomycosis is a progressive, chronic, granulomatous and suppurative disease caused by different types of actinomyces. Instead of chronic suppurative disease, sinus formation can also be seen. Cervicofascial, abdominal and thoracal involvement can occur. Abdominal wall actinomycosis is an infrequent clinical form. Isolated anterior wall actinomycosis is a very rare form of the disease.

Methods: This is an interventional case report.

Results: A 62-year-old female patient with abdominal mass was referred to hospital. She had diabetes mellitus. On the examination she had abdominal tenderness. The computerized tomography revealed an irregular density sized 6.5 × 5 × 3.5 cm in the umbilical area. Surgical debridement and incisional biopsy performed. The diagnosis is confirmed by histopathological examination. The patient received parenteral crystalline penicillin treatment and recovered.

Conclusion: Physicians should consider abdominal wall actinomycosis in the cases of abdominal masses especially in immunosuppressive patients.

Keywords: Abdominal wall; Actinomycosis; Diabetes mellitus.