Filariasis of the eyelid subcutaneous manifestation in Bangladesh

Abstract

Purpose: We report a rare case of the eyelid subcutaneous filariasis in Bangladesh Methods: Through Ocular and systemic evaluation, CT scan of orbit and histopathological analysis plays an important role for diagnosis. Results: An11 yrs girl presented with right periocular swelling, moderate tenderness and the right eye could not be opened for the last 3 days. CT scan of orbit showed diffuse heterogeneous soft tissue swelling in both upper and lower eyelid which was suggestive of preseptal cellulitis. She was improved on conservative management. On clinical evaluation, we found a nodular swelling, firm in consistency and overlying skin was free, fixed to the tarsus in the most lateral part of right upper eyelid. Thyroid function test showed hypothyroidism. She was euthyroid after two months of treatment. Excision biopsy was done and the lesion was round, nodular, solid lesion. Histopathology report reviled filariasis of the eyelid. There were no features of filariasis on systemic evaluation. Conclusion: Filariasis may be found rarely in the eyelid. Painful eyelid swelling in patients should always raise the suspicion of filariasis.