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Thirteen cases of pulmonary dirofilariasis in a single institution in Okinawa Island

Eriko Atsumi1, Hirofumi Matsumoto2, Naohiro Taira3

  • 1Division of Pathology, National Hospital Organization, Okinawa National Hospital, 3-20-14, Ganeko, Ginowan, Okinawa, 901-2214, Japan. erikoa1224@gmail.com.

Virchows Archiv : an International Journal of Pathology
|June 30, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Pulmonary dirofilariasis, a lung infection caused by Dirofilaria immitis, is increasingly reported in Japan. Surgical intervention was necessary for 13 patients, highlighting the parasite

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pulmonary dirofilariasis is a parasitic lung infection endemic in Japan, caused by Dirofilaria immitis.
  • This study reports on 13 surgical cases of pulmonary dirofilariasis, a significant number within a single institution in Japan.

Observation:

  • The majority of patients (61.5%) were male.
  • Lesions were exclusively located in the right lung (100%), predominantly in the lower lobe (76.9%).
  • Histological examination revealed necrotic nodules with granulomas and worms in pulmonary arteries in 12 cases; one case showed arterial wall thickening with a degenerated worm.

Findings:

  • Eosinophils were present in all histological samples.
  • The prevalence may be linked to the region's hot, humid climate favoring mosquito vectors.
  • Elastic staining and eosinophils aid in diagnosing degenerated worm cases.

Implications:

  • This case series represents a substantial contribution to understanding pulmonary dirofilariasis prevalence in Japan.
  • Findings underscore the importance of considering Dirofilaria immitis in lung nodule diagnoses, particularly in endemic areas.
  • Diagnostic strategies should include histological examination for eosinophils and elastic staining, especially for degenerated parasites.
Keywords:
Dirofilaria immitisEpidemiologyHistopathologyNecrotic nodulePulmonary dirofilariasis

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