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The Dirofilaria parasite in the orbit
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|December 1, 1976
Summary
A rare orbital Dirofilaria infection caused persistent eye inflammation and a mass. Surgical removal and corticosteroid treatment successfully resolved the condition, with no recurrence observed.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Orbital infections can present with diverse symptoms, including proptosis and inflammation.
- Dirofilariasis, a parasitic disease typically affecting animals, can rarely infect humans.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old male presented with left orbital proptosis, pain, and inflammation, later developing diplopia.
- Initial antibiotic treatment provided partial symptom relief, but a persistent, painful orbital mass was noted.
Findings:
- Biopsy confirmed the presence of a Dirofilaria worm within the orbital mass.
- Post-biopsy treatment with corticosteroids led to the subsidence of the residual nodule.
Implications:
- This case highlights Dirofilaria as a potential cause of orbital inflammatory masses in humans.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including anti-inflammatory therapy, are crucial for managing human dirofilariasis.
- Further research into the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of human dirofilariasis is warranted.