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Microfilaria in pleural fluid cytology: A rare finding
Subrata Pal1, Kingshuk Bose2, Abhishek Sharma1
1Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Sagore Dutta Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Journal of Laboratory Physicians
|April 4, 2017
Summary
Microfilaria detection in pleural fluid is rare, even in lymphatic filariasis endemic regions like India. This case highlights a classical finding of microfilaria in pleural fluid cytology, emphasizing its extreme rarity.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Cytopathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Lymphatic filariasis is a significant public health concern in India and Southeast Asia.
- Microfilaria detection is uncommon in routine cytological examinations of lesions and body fluids.
- Pleural fluid cytology rarely reveals microfilaria, even in endemic populations.
Observation:
- This report details a classical case of microfilaria identified in pleural fluid cytology.
- The presence of microfilaria in pleural fluid is an exceptionally rare finding.
- While microfilaria have been incidentally found with malignant pleural effusions, effusions of direct filarial origin are exceedingly uncommon.
Findings:
- Classical microfilaria identified in pleural fluid cytology.
- Demonstrates an extremely rare manifestation of lymphatic filariasis.
- Contributes to the limited case reports of microfilaria in pleural effusions.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering parasitic causes in unexplained pleural effusions, especially in endemic areas.
- May prompt further investigation into the diagnostic utility of pleural fluid cytology for filariasis.
- Underscores the need for increased awareness among cytopathologists regarding rare parasitic findings.