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[A case of pulmonary dirofilariasis]
1First Department of Internal Medicine, Nagoya City University Medical School, Japan.
Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Pulmonary dirofilariasis, a rare lung condition caused by Dirofilaria worms, was diagnosed in a patient presenting with a lung nodule. Less invasive diagnostic methods are needed for this benign parasitic infection.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C evaluation led to incidental finding of a lung nodule.
- Pulmonary nodules require thorough investigation to rule out malignancy.
Observation:
- A 15 x 15 mm nodular shadow was detected in the left middle lung field.
- Initial radiological, cytologic, and endoscopic examinations were inconclusive.
- Surgical resection (S6) was performed to exclude a malignant tumor.
Findings:
- Histological examination confirmed the presence of Dirofilaria worms within a necrotic lung mass.
- This case represents pulmonary dirofilariasis, a parasitic lung infection.
Implications:
- Pulmonary dirofilariasis is often diagnosed via thoracotomy, a highly invasive procedure.
- Development of reliable immunologic tests or thoracoscopic resection techniques is crucial for diagnosing this benign condition less invasively.