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Nematode infection mimicking paratesticular malignancy.
Jins Kallampallil1, Sarah J Wood, Timothy O'Dempsey
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, The Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK.
BMJ Case Reports
|December 12, 2013
Summary
A rare case of paratesticular swelling in a young boy was caused by Dirofilaria immitis infection, a parasitic roundworm. This highlights the importance of considering parasitic causes in scrotal masses, even in non-endemic areas.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary parasitology
- Pediatric urology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Paratesticular swellings are often concerning for malignancy, presenting a diagnostic challenge.
- Dirofilaria immitis, a canine heartworm, can rarely infect humans, typically presenting as a lung nodule.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old boy experienced a 2-month history of right testicular discomfort.
- An irregular scrotal mass was detected during physical examination.
Findings:
- The paratesticular swelling was diagnosed as a result of Dirofilaria immitis infection.
- This case represents an unusual presentation of human dirofilariasis.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider parasitic infections like Dirofilaria immitis in the differential diagnosis of paratesticular masses.
- This case expands the known clinical spectrum of human dirofilariasis.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing parasitic scrotal diseases.
