Abdominopelvic Actinomycosis Mimicking Malignant Tumors: Two Case Reports.
Quanlin Ren, Tian Tian, Qiuyang Jing
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
Two patients with abdominopelvic actinomycosis presented with non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain and distension. Imaging studies revealed irregular masses suggestive of malignancy, but surgical pathology confirmed actinomycosis characterized by inflammatory adhesions and microabscesses. Both patients underwent surgical resection and experienced good outcomes without recurrence during follow-up.
What made this case unusual
The cases highlighted the challenge of differentiating abdominopelvic actinomycosis from malignant tumors based on imaging findings, particularly in patients with a history of cesarean section or long-term IUD use.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider abdominopelvic actinomycosis in the differential diagnosis of pelvic masses, especially in women with relevant surgical or contraceptive histories.
Why it matters
Recognizing the imaging characteristics of actinomycosis can prevent unnecessary radical surgeries and improve patient outcomes.