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Human pulmonary dirofilariasis masquerading as a mass
Sheba Jacob1, Ashok Parameswaran2, Rajan Santosham3
1Department of Pathology, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India shebasjacob@yahoo.com.
Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals
|July 20, 2016
Summary
Pulmonary dirofilariasis, a rare lung infection from Dirofilaria immitis, can mimic lung cancer on imaging. Surgical removal is the primary treatment for this parasitic disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Human Pathology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Pulmonary dirofilariasis is a rare parasitic lung infection in humans caused by Dirofilaria immitis.
- It is typically asymptomatic but can manifest with respiratory symptoms and malaise.
Observation:
- The condition presents as pulmonary nodules or coin lesions on radiographic imaging.
- These lesions can be mistaken for malignancy, leading to unnecessary diagnostic procedures.
Findings:
- Dirofilaria immitis worms obstruct pulmonary arteries, causing infarction and granulomatous inflammation.
- Radiographic coin lesions are a key diagnostic feature, raising suspicion for lung cancer.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and surgical excision are crucial for effective treatment.
- Awareness of pulmonary dirofilariasis is important for clinicians, especially in endemic areas.
- This condition highlights the zoonotic potential of Dirofilaria immitis.
