A Case of Ileocecal Actinomycosis after Chemoradiation for Uterine Cervical Cancer

Abstract

Actinomycosis of the ileocecal region, which is a favored site for abdominal actinomycotic infection, is often difficult to diagnose and treat in the presence of any complication. We report a case of ileocecal actinomycosis after chemoradiotherapy for uterine cervical cancer. A 46-year-old woman received chemoradiotherapy for uterine cervical cancer in September 2009. A positron emission tomography-computed tomography (CT) examination in May 2010 showed abnormal fludeoxyglucose accumulation in the pelvic lymph nodes and on the dorsal side of the ascending colon; therefore, we suspected recurrence of uterine cervical cancer. The patient presented at our hospital with a complaint of pain in the right lower abdomen in June 2010. Abdominal CT examination showed a periappendiceal abscess. Blood tests suggested an inflammatory reaction. Because of signs of peritoneal irritation, the patient underwent emergency surgery and ileocecal resection. Histopathological examination indicated actinomycosis. The patient started taking ampicillin orally for 6 months. At the same time, she received anticancer drug therapy for uterine cervical cancer. Actinomycosis did not worsen during cancer treatment.