A rare case of Dirofilaria repens infection

Abstract

This paper reports a case of Dirofilaria repens infection in a patient who presented with an anterolateral neck swelling. Dirofilaria repens infection of the neck region is rare even in countries where dirofilarial infestation is endemic. The diagnosis is made by identifying the worm in surgical or pathological specimens. A 47-year-old man presented with an 8-week history of non-tender, right-sided, lower anterolateral neck swelling and weight loss. An ultrasound scan showed a cystic lesion containing a living worm. The cyst was excised and the patient showed full recovery at follow up. To our knowledge, there has been no previous report of an anterolateral neck swelling secondary to Dirofilaria repens infection in Europe. Our case is unusual because of the rarity of Dirofilaria repens presenting as a neck swelling.