Actinomyces infection as a complication of a post-radiotherapy rectal ulcer.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Pelvic radiotherapy is associated with early and late local complication. Actinomyces bacterium is part of the saprophyte flora, although some infection underlying factors are known , the pathophysiology of the disease is still unexplained. Frequently it is involved in oral, gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.

CASE REPORT:

We present the description of a clinical case supported with images. So that we have developed a bibliographical research in Pubmed data base including the following key words: Ulcer, rectum, brachitherapy and Actinomyces. The most recent original articles published in the last teen years, related with the pathology observed in the patient of the case, were selected.

DISCUSSION:

Brachitherapy over pelvic beds ( prostate, cervix and uterus) could be associated with digestive complications specially in the rectum. Those complications might oscillate from mild inflammatory changes in the mucosa to serious damages as ulcers and lack of tissue. This situation increase the risk of opportunistic infections which could endanger the clinical improve of our patients. We suggest to remember those germen in the diagnosis process in other to achieve an early diagnosis and to use a targeted treatment.

• Authors: Carmen Martos Plasencia, Pilar Olivencia Palomar, Roberto Patón Arenas, Cristina Verdejo Gil, Rosario Salmoral Luque, Melvyn Peña Gómez, Eva De la Santa Belda, Bartolomé López Viedma, José Olmedo Camacho
• Journal: Revista espanola de enfermedades digestivas : organo oficial de la Sociedad Espanola de Patologia Digestiva (Rev Esp Enferm Dig) Vol. 108 Issue 9 Pg. 580-1 (Sep 2016) ISSN: 1130-0108 [Print] Spain
• PMID: 27615019 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Actinomycosis (etiology, pathology, surgery)
• Adenocarcinoma (complications, radiotherapy)
• Aged
• Colostomy
• Humans
• Male
• Prostatic Neoplasms (complications, radiotherapy)
• Radiotherapy (adverse effects)
• Rectal Diseases (etiology, pathology, surgery)
• Ulcer (etiology, pathology, surgery)