Pelvic actinomycosis

An unusual infection: Actinomycosis, uncommon in a pelvic localization, is a severe condition not well known to gynecologists. it is caused by Actinom yces israeli and is closely associated with long-term use of an intrauterin e device. in the pelvic localization, the disease generally presents as a p seudoneoplastic formation. Difficult diagnosis: Diagnosis is generally not established clinically. Pat hology provides positive diagnosis, The germ cannot be isolated easily as i t does not survive standard bacteriology sampling. Monoclonal antibodies ma y be helpful. Medical treatment: Intravenous penicillin G followed by at least 6 months o ral penicillin is generally successful in eradicating the infection. Indica tions for surgery should be limited to diagnostic procedures (pathology spe cimen), drainage in case of abscess formation, and removal of an obstacle c ompressing the digestive or urinary tract.