Lymphatic Filariasis Presenting as a Swelling over the Upper Arm: A Case Report.

Sharma Gm,Dubey S,Bhardwaj Ar,Relwani Nr

doi:10.5704/moj.1803.016

Abstract

Filariasis continues to be one of the endemic problems worldwide with 40% of the cases in India. We report a case of lymphatic filariasis in a 32-year old female who presented with a non-tender swelling over left upper arm. Blood sample showed no eosinophilia while the FNAC was diagnostic of W. bancrofti. Patient responded well with oral diethylcarbamazine. High index of suspicion of filariasis is indicated when dealing with a swelling of unknown cause especially in filariasis endemic areas.

Highlights

Filariasis is a vector borne disease especially prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions and caused by slender thread-like filarial worms from the superfamily of Filarioidea, which has an affinity towards skin and subcutaneous tissue or lymphatic system[1]
We report a rare case of Bancroftian filariasis in a 32-year old female presenting with a small subcutaneous swelling at the lateral aspect of the upper arm
Filariasis infection is caused by the nematode worms Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori transmitted by mosquitoes

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Filariasis is a vector borne disease especially prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions and caused by slender thread-like filarial worms from the superfamily of Filarioidea, which has an affinity towards skin and subcutaneous tissue or lymphatic system[1]. While the nematode-like Onchocerca volvulus and Loa loa cause filariasis of the skin, Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori cause lymphatic filariasis in the descending order[1,2]. Wuchereria bancroftian filariasis produces a wide range of clinical manifestations depending upon the phase and duration. The chronic phase is usually characterized by presence of lymphadenopathy in lower limbs, retroperitoneal tissues, lymphedema, hydrocele and elephantiasis[3]. Microfilaria are usually absent in early and late phase of the disease. Circulating filarial antigen testing is more sensitive and can detect the presence of the nematode, even in early stages. We report a rare case of Bancroftian filariasis in a 32-year old female presenting with a small subcutaneous swelling at the lateral aspect of the upper arm

CASE REPORT

DISCUSSION

Findings

CONFLICT OF INTEREST