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Human pulmonary dirofilariasis in Taiwan
1Departments of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center, Koo Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan Yi Zhi
|April 10, 2003
Summary
Pulmonary dirofilariasis, a rare zoonotic disease caused by dog heartworm, presents as lung nodules. Early diagnosis is crucial as it can mimic lung cancer, necessitating inclusion in differential diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Pulmonary dirofilariasis is a rare zoonotic disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis (dog heartworm).
- Transmission to humans occurs via infected mosquitoes.
- Most US cases originate from southeastern or Gulf states.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old asymptomatic man presented with a pulmonary nodular lesion found during a routine chest x-ray.
- The lesion was surgically resected for diagnosis.
Findings:
- Histological examination confirmed pulmonary dirofilariasis.
- This case represents the second reported instance in Taiwan.
- The patient experienced an uneventful postoperative recovery.
Implications:
- Pulmonary dirofilariasis can mimic lung neoplasia on clinicoradiographic imaging.
- Clinicians, radiologists, and pathologists should consider dirofilariasis in the differential diagnosis of subpleural coin-like lung lesions.
- Increased awareness can improve diagnostic accuracy for this rare parasitic infection.