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Case Reports
. 2013 Apr;4(2):254-7.
doi: 10.4103/0976-237X.114883.

Filariasis of the buccal mucosa: A diagnostic dilemma

Seema Kurup  1 , Ravi Veeraraghavan, Renju Jose, Ushass Puthalath
Affiliations
Case Reports

Filariasis of the buccal mucosa: A diagnostic dilemma

Seema Kurup et al. Contemp Clin Dent. 2013 Apr.

Abstract

Filariasis is an endemic disease in tropical and subtropical countries. Filarial nematodes can infect humans through vectors, commonly mosquitoes. Human infection can manifest as lymphatic filariasis, subcutaneous or pulmonary nodules and with eye involvement. Intra-oral presentation is very rare and often poses a diagnostic dilemma to the dentist. We report a case of intra-oral Dirofilaria repens infection in a 54-year-old female patient, involving the buccal mucosa. History was unremarkable and on clinical examination, a diffuse swelling with no significant signs and symptoms was seen. Laboratory investigations and radiographs were non-contributory to diagnosis. Ultrasound findings revealed a hypo-echoic lesion in the muscular layer of the left cheek. Differential diagnoses considered were minor salivary gland tumor, parotid sialolith, and cysticercosis among others. The presence of a Dirofilaria worm in the excised nodule confirmed the diagnosis. Medical awareness of the risk of intra-oral nematode infection is essential. A detailed travel history, awareness of endemic status of certain diseases, proper diagnosis and management helps in better prognosis for the patient.

Keywords: Dirofilaria; filariasis; nematode infection; oral cavity.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Swelling on the left buccal mucosa without any inflammatory signs
Figure 2
Figure 2
Ultrasound scan of cheek showing a small well-defined round hypo-echoic lesion
Figure 3
Figure 3
Histopathological section showing filarial worm with “double uterus” appearance: Scanner view
Figure 4
Figure 4
Centrally placed intestinal tubule in the worm with thick cuticle (c) and muscular layer (m): H and E, ×10
Figure 5
Figure 5
Filarial worm with numerous larval forms (l): H and E, ×45
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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