Unusual aspect of cuticular morphology in human pulmonary dirofilariasis.
Eiji Nagayasu, Takahiko Kasai, Hisashi Ishikura et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 79-year-old woman presented with a slowly enlarging pulmonary nodule in the right upper lobe, leading to a partial lung resection. Histopathological examination identified fragments of a filarial worm, consistent with Dirofilaria immitis. Notably, the external cuticular surface exhibited ridge-like elevations, complicating differentiation from Dirofilaria ursi. Molecular analysis confirmed the diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of genetic testing in ambiguous cases.
What made this case unusual
The case presented a unique cuticular morphology with localized ridge-like elevations, complicating the distinction between Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria ursi based solely on histopathological features.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider molecular analysis for accurate identification of Dirofilaria species when histopathological features are ambiguous.
Why it matters
This case underscores the limitations of morphological assessment in diagnosing pulmonary dirofilariasis and the critical role of molecular techniques in confirming species identity.