We present two cases of pulmonary dirofilariasis presenting as coin lesions in the lung, which were clinically suggestive of malignancy. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Pseudotumor

  Rare in humans, genital involvement manifests itself as pseudotumor nodules affecting the scrotum, epididymis, or spermatic cord. We report on two cases of Dirofilaria repens infections, involving the spermatic cord and epididymis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  These MR findings led us to suspect an inflammatory pseudotumor. fig 1. 61-year-old woman with human dirofilariasis. [ajnr.org]

  Fine needle aspiration of retroperitoneal human dirofilariasis with a pseudotumoral presentation. Acta Cytol, 34 (1990), pp. 533-535 [25] W.K. Ng, T.H. Siu, B. Fung, J.H. Kong. [elsevier.es]

  Fine needle aspiration of retroperitoneal human dirofilariasis with a pseudotumoral presentation. Acta Cytol. 1990 Jul-Aug. 34(4):533-5. [Medline]. Pampiglione S, Rivasi F, Gustinelli A. [emedicine.medscape.com]

• Intravenous Drugs

  A 31-year-old man with a history of intravenous drug abuse presented with an inflamed subcutaneous nodule in his left thigh. The nodule measured up to 1.2 cm in largest diameter. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Sputum

  Tuberculin skin test was negative, as was sputum testing for common bacteria, and so empirical antibiotic therapy was initiated. One month later, symptoms were resolved but a new X-ray showed no radiological change, so lung cancer was suspected. [archbronconeumol.org]

  The patient reported having made several trips to Italy and Greece within the preceding 5 years; however, all relevant laboratory findings were negative (eg, eosinophilic granulocytes; parasitologic testing for helminths in urine, feces, and sputum; and [ajnr.org]

  Peripheral blood and, in cases of pulmonary dirofilariasis, sputum eosinophilia are common but not diagnostic. [antimicrobe.org]

  Diagnosis Studies used in the diagnosis and evaluation of dirofilariasis include the following: Complete blood count (CBC) - Using a CBC, eosinophilia may be detected in up to 20% of cases of HPD Sputum cytology - The presence of eosinophils may support [emedicine.medscape.com]

• Retrosternal Chest Pain

  When they do occur, symptoms can include the following: Localized retrosternal chest pain Cough Hemoptysis Wheezing Low-grade fever Chills Malaise D repens Usually, patients notice a single painful subcutaneous lump in the affected area. [emedicine.medscape.com]

• Lacrimation

  We report a case of lacrimal gland dirofilariasis, an unusual ocular presentation which masquerades as a lacrimal gland tumor. Ours would be the third reported case in the world and first in India. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Solid arrow: multiple transverse sections of a single female Dirofilaria in the lacrimal gland. Empty arrow: lacrimal gland capsule. [nature.com]

• Foreign Body Sensation

  Case 2: A 69-year-old woman presented with left eye redness and foreign body sensation for 2 weeks. She was treated elsewhere initially with topical antibiotics without any improvement. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  When living worms enter the conjunctiva, they may cause acute symptoms like redness of conjunctiva, foreign body sensation, excessive lacrimation and the affected individual then seeks medical attention. [ijmm.org]

• Subcutaneous Nodule

  It is very difficult to make the diagnosis of a subcutaneous nodule. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Subcutaneous Mass

  Briefly, we conclude that a diagnosis of subcutaneous dirofilariasis should be considered in cases of subcutaneous mass in an endemic area of animal dirofilariasis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Humans accidentally get infected and can present with a lung nodule, subcutaneous mass or an ocular lesion which will be either subconjunctival or periorbital. Proper microbiological and histopathological examinations aid in proper diagnosis. [e-ijd.org]

• Facial Swelling

  We report an interesting case of dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria repens involving buccal mucosa in a patient who presented with a facial swelling. The clinical features, diagnostic issues and treatment aspects are discussed. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Dirofilariasis is an emerging zoonosis and should be included in the differential diagnosis of an asymptomatic facial swelling. [ijdr.in]

• Facial Edema

  scan suggested a parasitic infection with granuloma formation in facial muscle over left maxilla with diffuse edema of adjacent soft tissues [Figure 1] b and c]. [e-ijd.org]

Both patients had normal systemic workup results and remained symptom-free after surgical removal of the nematode. Clinical findings, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and management are discussed. Ophthalmic dirofilariasis is a rare condition. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

(See Pathophysiology, Etiology, and Workup.) Plain chest radiographic appearance of pulmonary coin lesion secondary to Dirofilaria immitis infection in a man. [emedicine.medscape.com]

• Tissue Nematode

  In Europe, human dirofilariasis refers to a group of autochtonous parasitic infections caused by tissue nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria, responsible for two distinct clinical presentations: Dirofilaria immitis usually presenting as pulmonary lesions [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

The definitive treatment of Dirofilaria infection in humans is surgical removal of lung granulomas and nodules under the skin, this treatment is also curative. In many cases, no treatment with medicines is necessary. [omicsonline.org]

What is the treatment? The definitive treatment of Dirofilaria infection in humans is surgical removal of lung granulomas and nodules under the skin; this treatment is also curative. In many cases, no treatment with medicines is necessary. [cdc.gov]

Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice and an anthelmintic can be administered if residual lesions are present or the patient is from an endemic area. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Treatment with tetracycline antibiotics has been reported to damage Dirofilaria immitis, often causing death of adult worms. [en.wikipedia.org]

The prognosis for feline heartworm disease is guarded. The severe symptoms caused by the parasite can be avoided by cleansing the skin, surgery, or the use of therapeutic drugs, such as diethylcarbamazine (DEC), ivermectin, or albendazole. [omicsonline.org]

Prognosis In mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic animals, the course of dirofilariasis is usually uneventful following treatment and the prognosis is excellent 3. [en.wikivet.net]

Prognosis is good in case of Dirofilariasis. 1. Joseph K, Vinayakumar AR, Criton S, Vishnu MS, Pariyaram SE. Periorbital mass with cellulitis caused by dirofilaria. Indian J Med Microbiol 2011;29:431-3. [ PUBMED ] 2. [e-ijd.org]

The theory is supported by the observation that most pediatric cases in Sri Lanka are localized to the scrotum, penis, and perineal regions of the body. [55] Prognosis In general, following diagnosis and resection of the affected tissue, the prognosis [emedicine.medscape.com]

Polymerase Chain Reaction testing may provide a more accurate etiological diagnosis in case of an inconclusive pathology result. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

TERMINOLOGY Definitions Infectious condition caused by helminth ETIOLOGY/PATHOGENESIS Etiology Caused by Dirofilaria immitis Dirofilariasis is more common in dogs Humans are accidental hosts CLINICAL ISSUES Epidemiology Incidence Uncommon infectious condition [basicmedicalkey.com]

Peripheral smear showed microcystic hypochromic anemia with mild eosinophilia and thrombocytosis which was in favor of an allergic/parasitic etiology. [kjophthal.com]

(See Pathophysiology, Etiology, and Workup.) Plain chest radiographic appearance of pulmonary coin lesion secondary to Dirofilaria immitis infection in a man. [emedicine.medscape.com]

The aim of this study was to ascertain the geographical distribution and clinical manifestations of a relatively rare among people zoonotic disease such as dirofilariasis, whose epidemiological features depends on prevalence of the parasite among usual [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

[…] have been reported mainly from regions with high canine heartworm prevalence, such as the southern United States (US), the objectives of this review were (1) to describe the microbiology of the parasite; (2) to resolve any misconceptions regarding the pathophysiology [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

(See Pathophysiology and Clinical Presentation.) [emedicine.medscape.com]

Digital images were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which identified the parasite as a nematode in the genus Dirofilaria It appeared to be dead and degenerating, but external, fine longitudinal cuticular ridges and the presence [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Year-round prevention is advised. Preventive therapy in dogs is recommended beginning at 6–8 wk of age. [msdvetmanual.com]

How can I prevent dirofilariasis? Dirofilariasis can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites in areas where mosquitoes may be infected with Dirofilaria larvae. [cdc.gov]