title: Dirofilarial infection of the orbit.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We report on two cases of dirofilaria involving the orbit. There have been no previous case reports of superior rectus involvement in the literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  The presenting history, ocular examination, relevant investigations and treatments are discussed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In both cases the lesion was debulked surgically with subsequent histopathological identification of a dirofilarial worm. Postoperatively both patients were relieved of their presenting symptoms with no recurrence of the lesion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dirofilarial involvement of the orbit is uncommon. It should be considered as a rare infectious form of specific orbital inflammation and considered in the differential diagnosis of orbital inflammatory lesions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, St. Thomas Hospital, London, UK. romeshi@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Romesh I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Angunawela
authors.forename: Sajid
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ataullah
authors.forename: Kevin J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Whitehead
authors.forename: Timothy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rosser
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004184:Dirofilariasis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005369:Filaricides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D005369:Filaricides; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007559:Ivermectin