Subconjunctival Dirofilariasis in a Healthy Subject: a Case Report

Overview

Journal J Ophthalmic Inflamm Infect

Publisher Springer

Specialty Ophthalmology

Date 2024 Dec 18

PMID 39695019

Authors

Amirhossein Aghajani

Mohammad Taher Rajabi

Seyed Mohsen Rafizadeh

Elham Rahmanikhah

Reza Samiee

Mohammad Reza Abdol Homayuni

Amin Zand

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of subconjunctival dirofilariasis presenting as an inflammatory mass-like lesion in a healthy individual.

Case Presentation: A 20-year-old male with a recent history of wildlife exposure in a rural village presented with an inflammatory subconjunctival mass in his left eye. The lesion was surgically excised, and histopathological examination confirmed the presence of an immature nematode of Dirofilaria immitis. The patient was treated with oral ivermectin for two weeks postoperatively. After two months, the lesion had almost completely resolved, and no recurrence was observed during the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions: Given the rarity of ocular dirofilariasis and its diverse presentations in different ocular and adnexal structures, prompt and complete excision followed by meticulous histopathological evaluation is crucial to guide appropriate management and achieve favorable outcomes.

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