Cystic lymph node enlargement of the neck: filariasis as a rare differential diagnosis in MRI.
Cervical lymph node enlargement is a common feature of most inflammatory and neoplastic entities of the head and neck. Filariasis can lead to lymphangiectasis resembling lymph node enlargement; however, this is a rare differential diagnosis in European patients. As ethnic minorities are increasing throughout Europe and personal mobility, e.g. during holidays, is increasing, such rare differential diagnoses have to be taken into consideration. We present the case of an Iraqi patient referred to as for a suspected cystic lymph node mass that was verified histologically by open MRI biopsy and proved to be a cystic manifestation of filariasis.
Schick
Christoph
C
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
Thalhammer
Axel
A
Balzer
Jörn O
JO
Abolmaali
Nasreddin
N
Vogl
Thomas J
TJ
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005368:Filariasis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008200:Lymphangiectasis / Q000175:diagnosis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck