The Open Mycology Journal

2008, 2 : 105-107
Published online 2008 November 7. DOI: 10.2174/1874437000802010105
Publisher ID: TOMYCJ-2-105

Actinomycosis of the Gallbladder: A Case Report

Yasmeen Mir , Euan McLaughlin , Fiona Campbell and Bahram Azadeh
Department of Histopathology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK.

ABSTRACT

Actinomycetes are a normal part of the microflora of the cervicofacial region and gastrointestinal tract, but they can cause infections when the normal mucosal barrier is lost due to surgery, trauma or infections. Actinomycosis of the gallbladder is extremely rare. A 70-year-old man with ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolaemia presented with episodes of acute pancreatitis and cholecystitis. CT scan suggested a perforated gallbladder. The liver was normal. At cholecystectomy the gallbladder was contracted with adhesions and a probable cholecystodocho-duodenal fistula. Histology showed an inflamed and fibrotic gallbladder with colonies of Actinomyces, the so-called ‘sulphur granules’. Postoperatively, he has been well.

Keywords:

Gallbladder, actinomycosis.