Thoracic and abdominopelvic actinomycosis

Abstract

Actinomycosis is a chronic infection caused by Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria which is found worldwide. Common features of actinomycosis infections include abscess
formation, granulation, dense fibrous tissue formation, and the classical cutaneous
sinuses with yellow/sulphur granular discharge. However some of the features may
be nonspecific and the absence of classical features may delay the diagnosis. Since
actinomycosis responds well to various antibiotic treatments, with or without surgical
intervention it is worthwhile including actinomycosis infection in the differential
diagnosis. We present radiological findings for 4 patients presenting with different forms of
thoracic and abdominopelvic actinomycosis infection, and a short review of the documented
literature findings.

South African Journal of Radiology Vol. 9 (4) 2005: pp. 4-7