Abdominal actinomycosis: a rare complication after cholecystectomy.

We present a single case of abdominal actinomycosis occurring in a 74-year-old female with a history of cholecystectomy 42 months before presentation. In a review of the literature, we present risk factors, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of this infection. Abdominal actinomycosis is a rare, chronic, granulomatous infection characterized by the release of 'sulphur granules'. Actinomyces species should always be part of the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with a history of surgical or invasive procedures, presenting with an abdominal mass. Computed tomography (CT)-guided aspiration with or without core biopsy of this mass is a useful investigation. Diagnosis is often difficult: In less than 10% of cases, the diagnosis is made pre-operatively. Definitive diagnosis is often based on histochemical, macroscopic, and microscopic examination of tissue specimens. The disease should be treated with high doses of intravenous penicillin for 2-6 weeks followed by oral therapy for at least 6-12 months.