Abstract

Actinomycosis is a rare chronic suppurative disease caused by actinomyces species, which are normal flora in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract, and characterized by formation of sulfur granule. Actinomyces can affect cervicofacial, pulmonary, abdominal and pelvic area. However, abdominal and pelvic inflammations are less frequently observed. Most of abdominal actinomycosis develop after abdominal operation, trauma, inflammatory bowel disease or use of intrauterine devices. The definitive diagnosis was made after histopathological study of the tissues. Treatment is long-term antibiotic therapy. Herein, we report a case of a 69-year-old woman with an unusual form of abdominal actinomycosis after total gastrectomy. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2002;25:453⁣456)

• Keywords: Abdominal actinomycosis, Sulfur granule, Upper gastrointestinal tract