Clinical, Endoscopic, and Histopathological Aspects of Sigmoid Actinomycosis; A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Actinomycosis is a rare and chronic infectious disease caused by a non-spore gram- positive, anaerobic bacterium that rarely infects the colon, in particular the left colon.

A 53-year-old woman was referred to us due to chronic abdominal pain, bloating, a few episodes of bloody-mucous rectal discharge, and  change of bowel habits. Her medical history and physical examination were unremarkable. Colonoscopy revealed a polypoid mass like lesion located 20 cm proximal to the anal verge above the rectosigmoid junction. Several biopsy samples were taken. Histopathological evaluation showed actinomycosis infection. Consequently the patient was treated with intravenous and then six months oral penicillin. The patient was discharged after ten days.

Diagnosis of colonic actinomycosis is not an easy task. It is advisable to keep this infection in mind among the differential diagnoses of unusual abdominal masses. Colonoscopy and histopathological examination can be the preferred modality for diagnosis of colonic actinomycosis infection.