Dirofilarial Infection Presenting as a Facial Mass: Case Report of an Emerging Zoonosis

Lee M. Akst, Bruno Dipasquale, Mariana Berho, David Greene, Jay Roberts

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Dirofilariasis is a parasitic infection caused by nematodes. Human infection remains rare but is increasing in scope, particularly in endemic areas. Dirofilariasis typically presents as a subcutaneous mass or with pulmonary nodules. Here, we present the case of a 73-year-old woman whose asymptomatic facial mass was caused by dirofilarial infection. The pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of dirofilariasis of the head and neck will be discussed. In endemic areas, dirofilariasis must be considered in the differential diagnosis of facial masses.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)134-137
Number of pages4
JournalAmerican Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Medicine and Surgery
Volume25
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2004
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Otorhinolaryngology

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