An unusual case of hepatic abscess

A case of recurring primary hepatic actinomycosis is reported. A 50-year-ol d man presented with fever, weight loss and multiple hepatic masses. A diag nosis was obtained by cytological examination of a biopsy sample taken from the largest hepatic mass, which revealed the presence of Actinomyces speci es. The patient was treated with penicillin for 12 months and did well. Sev en years later, he presented with similar symptoms but with a single large liver mass and a pulmonary infiltrate in the right lower lobe. Liver biopsy showed an inflammatory pseudotumour, and lung biopsy showed the presence o f Actinomyces species, Again, the patient was treated with penicillin. Five months later, the patient was doing well, and a follow-up computed tomogra phy scan showed partial regression of the hepatic pseudotumour. This case i ndicates that hepatic actinomycosis can recur several years after an approp riate treatment and stresses the need for careful follow-up in such patient s.