Primary actinomycosis of kidney presenting with reno-colic fistula

Pelvic actinomycosis: urologic perspective

PURPOSE

Actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by the gram-positive anaerobic bacteria, Actinomyces israelli. This paper reviews the etiology and clinical presentation associated with Actinomycosis that often presents as a pelvic mass that mimics a pelvic malignancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A combination of patients treated by the authors in the recent past and a literature review of patients with pelvic Actinomycosis were assessed for demographic, clinical and predisposing co-factors. An analysis is made of age distribution, gender, diagnostic methods and treatment concepts.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were included in the study that included 2 current patients and 31 obtained from literature review. There were 27 females (age range 16 - 69 years, mean 38 years) and 6 males (16 - 55 years, mean 36 years). Presenting signs and symptoms were lower abdominal mass in 28 (85%); lower abdominal pain in 21 (63%); vaginal discharge or hematuria in 7 (22%). Two patients developed fistulae (entero-vesico 1; vesico-cutaneous 1). Nineteen (70%) of the 27 female patients had intra-uterine contraceptive devices (IUD). Four patients (12.5%) (3 males and 1 female) had urachus or urachal remnants. Cystoscopy in 12 patients noted an extrinsic mass effect, bullous edema and in one patient " vegetative proliferation " proven to be a chronic inflammatory change. Exploratory laparotomy was performed in 32 of the 33 patients who had excision of mass and involved organs. Diagnosis was established by histologic examination of removed tissue. Penicillin (6 weeks) therapy was utilized to control infections.

CONCLUSION

Pelvic actinomycosis mimics pelvic malignancy and may be associated with the long-term use of intra-uterine contraceptive devices, and persistent urachal remnants. Removal of infected mass and antibiotic therapy will eradicate the inflammatory process.

Spontaneous renocolic fistula secondary to calculous pyonephrosis

A rare case of spontaneous renocolic fistula is described, and the literature is reviewed.

Abdominal actinomycosis: a report of three cases

Abdominal actinomycosis is a rare condition which is difficult to diagnose because of its close resemblance to other, more common conditions. The clinical and radiological features of three cases are described and illustrated. The diagnosis is suggested by the rapid development of a fixed mass with fistulae.