Actinomycosis of the appendix. Case report

Abdominal actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous suppurative disease caused by anaerobic Gram positive germs from Actinomyces species. The vermiform appendix and ileocaecal region have been recognized as the most commonly involved sites. Actinomycosis of the appendix is generally acute in presentation, mimicking a common acute appendicitis. We present a case of actinomycosis of the appendix in a 62-year-old male patient. The clinical presentation was as for a common acute appendicitis. The ultrasound examination sustained the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and an appendectomy was performed. The diagnosis was established by histo-pathologic examination. The cultures from intraperitoneal fluid were negative. The association of a long-standing antibiotic therapy to the surgical treatment resulted in definitive cure for this patient. Actinomycosis of the appendix is a rare disease that must be known, the diagnostic being the key for a successful treatment.