A case of ovarian actinomycosis
2003

A Case of Ovarian Actinomycosis

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Masahiro Iwasaki, Akira Nishikawa, Noriyuki Akutagawa, Takashi Fujimoto, Mizue Teramoto, Ryuichi Kudo

Primary Institution: Sapporo Medical University

Hypothesis

Can actinomycosis be diagnosed before surgery using Papanicolaou smears?

Conclusion

Routine cervical examinations are important for women who are IUD users to potentially avoid serious complications like ovarian actinomycosis.

Supporting Evidence

  • Pelvic actinomycosis is uncommon and often linked to IUD use.
  • Actinomyces-like organisms can be detected on Papanicolaou smears.
  • Routine cervical examinations may help in early diagnosis.

Takeaway

A woman with an IUD developed a serious infection that could have been avoided if her earlier test results had been acted upon.

Methodology

Case study of a 41-year-old woman diagnosed with ovarian actinomycosis after surgery.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

41-year-old woman, gravida 4, para 3, IUD user for 6 years.

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