Structure of a radiate pseudocolony associated with an intrauterine contraceptive device

Pseudoactinomycotic radiate granules in the maxillary sinus. A case report

BACKGROUND

Pseudoactinomycotic radiate granules are biologically inactive formations simulating true actinomycotic granules. They occur mainly in the female genital tract. Here we describe a previously unreported case of these granules in a maxillary sinus.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A 74-year old man underwent maxillectomy for a carcinoma of the right alveolar ridge. In the tumor-free sinus mucosa, a deposit of condensed mucus, cell debris and eosinophilic granules, surrounded by leukocytes, were seen. These Gram-positive granules were refractile, not bi-refringent and revealed radiate pattern with peripheral club-like thickening. Alcian blue staining was negative, PAS reaction was present at the periphery. Ziehl-Neelsen, Grocott and Kongo red reactions tested negatively. In the mucoid surroundings, strong IgM, moderate IgG, weak IgA and IgG4, but no IgD immunoreactivity was present.

CONCLUSIONS

PAMRAGs in the maxillary sinus have not been described so far. Despite their extremely rare occurence, they must be taken into consideration in histopathological differential diagnosis of actinomycosis of that anatomic location.

Pseudoactinomycotic Radiate Granules (PAMRAGs)- An Unusual Differential Diagnosis for Ovarian Neoplasm; A Diagnostic Dilemma

Pseudoactinomycotic radiate granules (PAMRAGs) are rarely detected lesions in ovary. Endometrium is the usual site and a detailed search of literature yielded only two cases in the ovary. PAMRAGs must be differentiated from actinomycotic granules which are also strongly associated with the use of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs). In cases of suppurative oophoritis due to actinomycosis, a proper diagnosis and culture confirmation is mandatory to avoid further complications. This case is reported due to its rarity, unusual clinical presentation and to highlight the importance of special stains in cases of tuboovarian abscess, where PAMRAGs may cause diagnostic dilemma. Our patient was a 50 yr old female admitted with clinical diagnosis of malignant ovarian tumour. After preoperative work up, panhysterectomy, infracolic omentectomy and excision biopsy of the right inguinal lymph node were done. Peroperatively the right ovary was enlarged and adherent to the fallopian tube and pelvic wall. Gross examination revealed a right tuboovarian mass with yellowish areas of necrosis and fibrosis. Histology showed a suppurative granulomatous lesion with spherical granules having club like peripheral projections. A panel of special stains (GMS, GRAMs and AFB) done were negative. Thus, we ruled out actinomycosis and gave a diagnosis of PAMRAG.

Pseudoactinomycotic radiate granules of the gynaecological tract: review of a diagnostic pitfall

The filamentous bacterium actinomyces can cause serious gynaecological tract infections, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and tubo-ovarian abscess. Thus, definitive diagnosis of actinomycotic granules (AMGs) in gynaecological specimens is clinically important. Non-infectious pseudoactinomycotic radiate granules (PAMRAGs) can mimic the microscopic appearance of AMGs. PAMRAGs may be more common than actinomycotic infections in specimens from patients using intrauterine devices and may be seen in patients with PID. Although the composition and aetiology of PAMRAGs is unclear and variable, a panel of histochemical stains can aid in diagnosis. On haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections, AMGs show as distinct granules with basophilic peripheral radiating filaments and a dense central eosinophilic core, whereas H&E stained sections of PAMRAGs feature refractile granules with irregular club-like peripheral projections and no central dense core. The filaments of AMGs are Gram positive on Brown and Brenn (B&B) stain and are highlighted with Gomori methenamine silver stain (GMS). They stain negatively with a modified acid fast bacillus (AFB) stain, aiding in the distinction of actinomyces from nocardia. PAMRAGs show negative or non-specific staining with B&B, GMS, and AFB stains. Therefore, knowledge of these staining properties and the distinguishing characteristics of PAMRAGs and AMGs enables recognition of this important diagnostic pitfall.

The pathology of intra-uterine contraceptive devices

The IUCD is a simple and effective way of producing contraception without the need for patient compliance. It is not rendered ineffective by other drugs, as may be steroid contraceptives, and its side-effects, for carefully selected patients, are considered by most practitioners to be acceptably low (Van Kets et al. 1989).

Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon in Pityrosporum folliculitis (pseudoactinomycosis of the skin)

Actinomyces-like granules showing the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon have been demonstrated in histologic material, e.g. uterine curettings, in various conditions unrelated to genuine actinomycotic infection. The exact nature of the granules and the mechanism of their formation is open to speculation. We report two patients with a follicular skin eruption (Pityrosporum folliculitis) where pseudoactinomycotic granules were found in the skin biopsies. To the best of our knowledge, such findings have not previously been reported, but supposedly they are not rare. In order to avoid an incorrect diagnosis of actinomycosis, and unnecessary therapy, it is important to be familiar with the phenomenon.