Dirofilaria repens diagnosed by the presence of microfilariae in fine needle aspirates: a case report

Abstract

Background: Dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria repens with viable microfilariae outside the worm have not been reported before.

Case: A 40-year-old truck driver from rural Shiraz, Iran, had a firm mass, 2.5 x 2.5 cm, at the dorsolateral aspect of the right forearm. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) was performed on 2 occasions. Several microfilariae with blunt heads, pointed posterior ends and empty caudal spaces resembling microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti but longer were seen. Since Iran is a nonendemic area for lymphatic filariae and the patient had a history of contact with a dog, with the impression of dirofilariasis, the mass was excised, and the presence of adult worms in tissue sections confirmed the diagnosis.

Conclusion: This case ofsubcutaneous dirofilariasis was diagnosed by detecting microfilariae in FNA smears and was confirmed on histopathology.