Xanthogranulomatous inflammation caused by K. pneumonia and nocardiosis mimicking a uterine tumor and invading the ureter and colon: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Objective: To present a rare case of xanthogranulomatous inflammation (XI) mimicking a uterine sarcoma and invading the ureter and colon.

Case report: A 66-year-old woman presented with lower abdominal pain. Pelvic examination showed tenderness over the lower abdominal region without cervical discharge. Per-rectal examination showed a hard tumor on the posterior uterine wall, while ultrasonography showed a tumor-like mass extending from the posterior uterine wall to the rectum. Magnetic resonance imaging showed signs of endometrial cancer invading the rectum. However, the tumor markers carbohydrate antigen (CA) 125, CA199, and carcinoembryonic antigen were in the normal range. Cystoscopy, panendoscopy, and colonoscopy showed no significant findings. On performing exploratory laparotomy, we observed pus and severe adhesion on the posterior uterine wall and rectum. Hysterectomy, bilateral adnexectomy, colectomy, and partial left ureter resection were performed. The final pathology showed XI. The pus culture revealed Klebsiella pneumonia and PCR revealed nocardiosis. The patient received 2 weeks of antibiotic treatment and was discharged thereafter.

Conclusion: XI in elderly women is rare, and hence, differential diagnoses should be carefully considered.

Keywords: Cancer; Oophoritis; Ovary; Sarcoma; Xanthogranulomatous inflammation.