[Pelvic actinomycosis: the value of preoperative diagnosis. Apropos of a case].

Pelvic actinomycosis is a chronic suppurative granulomatous disease caused by an anaerobic Gram positive germ, Actinomyces. This rare disease can be severe and life-threatening. A intra pelvic bridge becomes chronic and produces a pseudo-tumoural syndrome of the pelvis with retroperitoneal infiltration or extension to neighbouring organs. Initially, neoplasia is usually diagnosed, leading to mutilating surgical exeresis before the pathology results reveal the presence of pelvic actinomycosis. The most difficult task is to entertain the diagnosis in a patient with an intrauterine device and poor general health, signs of infection and a pelvic syndrome. We observed such a case where the diagnosis was suspected before surgery. Adapted first intention antibiotic therapy led to spectacular recovery and allowed limited surgery without unnecessary ablation of neighbouring organs.