Orbital dirofilaria in a 4-year old, case report and literature review
Author: Maja Bakula Base Hospital / Institution: UHC ZagrebePoster presentation
Abstract ID: 26-443Purpose
Dirofilariasis is a parasitic infection caused by Dirofilaria nematode being transmitted to a human by infected mosquitoes. Although subcutaneous, subconjunctival and even intraocular dirofilariasis is commonly reported favoring warmer climates, orbital involvement is very rare and clinical presentation can be misleading.
Methods
Report of a case of a 4-year old child presented to our center with upper eyelid swelling, palpable mass and ptosis of acute onset. He had concomitant maxillary and ethmoid sinusitis.
Results
Clinical presentation is being discussed in our case and from published literature. Transmission to humans by infected vectors from the natural reservoir hosts is shown, as well as endemicity. Imaging characteristics are described, MRI showing an oval cystic lesion with a diameter of 12 mm and imbibition of a thick wall. The lesion did not show restricted diffusion in the central cystic part. The role of systemic antihelmintic therapy remains inconclusive.
Conclusion
Clinical diagnosis can be challenging because it can mimic other orbital inflammatory, infective and neoplastic conditions. Surgical exploration and excision or extraction are the standard treatment. Histopathology and microbiology provide definitive diagnosis.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Jelena | Juri Mandić | UHC Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb |
| Ivana | Gabrić | UHC Zagreb |
| Katarina | Đurić Vuković | UHC Zagreb |
