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18-FDG Uptake in Pulmonary Dirofilariasis
Michael Stone1, Ishani Dalal1, Chad Stone2
1Department of Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, USA.
Journal of Radiology Case Reports
|December 2, 2015
Summary
A rare case of pulmonary dirofilariasis was diagnosed in a 59-year-old male presenting with a solitary pulmonary nodule. The condition, caused by the canine heartworm Dirofilaria immitis, is a rare parasitic infection in humans.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Radiology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Solitary pulmonary nodules are frequently detected via chest imaging.
- Pulmonary dirofilariasis is a rare parasitic infection in humans, typically transmitted by mosquitoes.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old male with emphysema and a smoking history presented with an asymptomatic 13 mm left upper lobe nodule.
- Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT) showed mild 18-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18-FDG) uptake in the nodule.
Findings:
- Surgical resection revealed a necrobiotic granulomatous nodule.
- Pathology identified a parasitic worm consistent with Dirofilaria immitis within a thrombosed artery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules, even in patients with risk factors for malignancy.
- Accurate diagnosis of pulmonary dirofilariasis can prevent unnecessary aggressive treatment for presumed cancer.
