Taiwanese journal of obstetrics & gynecology
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Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol · Dec 2014
Case ReportsPelvic actinomycosis with abundant ascites, pleural effusion, and lymphadenopathy diagnosed with endometrial biopsy and treated with medication only.
Pelvic actinomycosis almost always presents as a "dry" type, and pelvic actinomycosis with ascites is extremely rare. We present an unusual case of pelvic actinomycosis with ascites, pleural effusion, and lymphadenopathy. Because of these atypical clinical features, a malignant process such as ovarian cancer or peritoneal carcinomatosis was suspected, but an endometrial biopsy revealed pelvic actinomycosis, which was treated without surgical intervention. ⋯ Pelvic actinomycosis should always be considered in patients with a pelvic mass and peritoneal infiltration, especially in the presence of intrauterine device use, despite the fact that abundant ascites, pleural effusion, and lymphadenopathy almost never accompany pelvic actinomycosis. Endometrial/endocervical biopsy may yield a diagnosis without an invasive procedure and should be performed. Because of the excellent response to penicillin, medical treatment alone is an effective method to eradicate pelvic actinomycosis without the need for surgical intervention.