Scrotal Filariasis, the Importance of Filarial Dance Sign in Scrotal Ultrasound

Mohsen Kamel Arid

doi:10.4236/ojmi.2021.111001

Abstract

Objective: To study the value of the filarial dance sign as a diagnostic sign in scrotal ultrasonography in human Bancroftian filariasis. Methods: We studied 3 patients with scrotal pain, with high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) of scrotum including power and color Doppler study. All patients underwent peripheral blood smear. Results: Multiple cystic spaces containing motile echogenic twisted tubular structures were observed in the 3 patients. Peripheral blood smears in the 3 patients confirmed the presence of microfilaria. Mild hydrocele in two patients. Conclusions: HRUS is a useful technique for diagnosing scrotal filariasis in symptomatic patients and is very useful in the follow-up treatment.

Highlights

Lymphatic filariasis is a clinical syndrome caused by the worms Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori
Multiple cystic spaces containing motile echogenic twisted tubular structures were observed in the 3 patients
We studied 3 patients with scrotal pain, mainly to exclude varicocele in whom the filarial dance sign was demonstrated on high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS), during the period from November 2011 to November 2019, during my work as radiologist in private hospital in Abu Dhabi

Summary

Background

Lymphatic filariasis is a clinical syndrome caused by the worms Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori. The female adult worm releases a large number of live microfilariae into the lymphatic vessels and finds their way into the bloodstream. They circulate in the blood in the largest numbers at night and are said to have nocturnal periodicity [2]. Adult worms of W. bancrofti commonly reside in the lymphatics. The drug kills the microfilariae and some of the adult worms, by 12-day treatment of DEC (6 mg/kg/day). One day treatment is generally as effective as the 12-day regimen. DEC is generally well tolerated with limited Side effects [3]

Methods

Results

Discussion