Case Report of Pelvic Actinomycosis Presenting as a Complex Pelvic Mass

Pandian Radha, Amy Forsberg Co

Abstract

Pelvic actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by Gram- positive anaerobic bacteria, Actinomycosis israeli, which constitutes 3% of actinomycosis infections. Pelvic actinomycosis is insidious in onset, often presenting as a firm mass that appears fixed to the surrounding tissues, mimicking malignancy. It is also mistaken for other conditions such as diverticulosis and inflammatory bowel disease, which presents a diagnostic challenge pre-operatively. It has been recognized that pelvic actinomycosis is associated with long term use of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD). Here we present a case which initially presented as a complex pelvic mass concerning for malignancy and was diagnosed as pelvic actinomycosis post-operatively on histopathology.