Actinomycosis of the gallbladder mimicking carcinoma: a case report with US and CT findings

Korean J Radiol. 2007 Mar-Apr;8(2):169-72. doi: 10.3348/kjr.2007.8.2.169.

Abstract

We describe a case of actinomycosis of the gallbladder mimicking carcinoma. Sonography showed a hypoechoic mass replacing gallbladder lumen and engulfing a stone; contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a heterogeneously enhanced thickened gallbladder wall with subtle, disrupted luminal surface enhancement, which formed a mass. As a result of the clinical and radiologic presentation, our impression was of gallbladder carcinoma. Actinomycosis should be included in the differential diagnosis when sonography and computed tomography findings show a mass engulfing the stone in the gallbladder and extensive pericholecystic infiltration with extension to neighboring abdominal wall muscle.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Actinomycosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Actinomycosis / surgery
  • Aged
  • Cholecystectomy
  • Contrast Media
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Gallbladder Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Gallbladder Diseases / microbiology
  • Gallbladder Diseases / surgery
  • Gallbladder Neoplasms
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Contrast Media