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Pulmonary dirofilariasis causing a solitary lung mass and pleural effusion
1Department of Surgery II, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Thorax
|August 1, 1991
Insights
A solitary lung lesion and pleural effusion in a 63-year-old patient were diagnosed as an inflammatory granuloma caused by Dirofilaria immitis. This finding highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in pulmonary diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Pleural effusion and solitary lung lesions are common radiological findings that can indicate a range of pathologies.
- Dirofilaria immitis, a parasitic nematode typically affecting canines, can rarely cause zoonotic infections in humans.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old male patient presented with symptoms suggestive of a pleural effusion.
- Computed tomography (CT) revealed a solitary lung lesion, prompting further investigation.
Findings:
- Surgical exploration via thoracotomy identified the lung lesion as an inflammatory granuloma.
- Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of Dirofilaria immitis as the causative agent.
Implications:
- This case underscores the necessity of including parasitic infections, such as dirofilariasis, in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary lesions.
- Accurate diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis infection is crucial for appropriate patient management and preventing potential complications.
Abstract:
A 63 year old patient presented with a pleural effusion and a solitary lung lesion on the computed tomogram. He was found to have an inflammatory granuloma due to Dirofilaria immitis at thoracotomy.