Primary actinomycosis of the abdominal wall. Description of 2 cases and review of the literature

• Published in: Anales de medicina interna (Madrid, Spain : 1984) Vol. 18; no. 2; pp. 80 - 83
• Main Authors: García García, J C, Núñez Fernández, M J, Cerqueiro González, J M, García Martín, C, Rodríguez García, J C, Anibarro García, L, de Lis Muñoz, J M, Piñeiro Gómez-Durán, L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.02.2001
• Subjects: Abdominal Muscles; Actinomycosis - diagnosis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 0212-7199

We report two cases of isolated abdominal wall actinomycosis and review 18 previously reported cases to further characterize the clinical findings and the therapeutic management of this syndrome. This diagnosis would be advocated in patients with a palpable abdominal mass of subacute appearance with a previous history of digestive medical illness, diabetes, abdominal surgery, or prolonged IUD use. In contrast with other actinomycosis locations, remarkable data were a more elevated mean age of patients; a female predominance; a prevalent location of mass in abdominal lower left quadrant; and a shorter duration of symptomatology before to diagnosis. The CT is the first choice for imaging study and percutaneous needle aspiration would be recommended for definite diagnosis. The long-term antibiotic therapy, with or without percutaneous drainage, is the first treatment choice because is very effective and made unnecessary a more invasive surgical management. The prognosis is excellent with adequated treatment.