An unusual presentation of filariasis: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Filariasis and its consequences are a major health problem in tropical countries, including the Indian subcontinent. Despite its high incidence, it is unusual to find microfilaria in fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) smears. We present a case of subcutaneous firm to cystic swelling, aspiration of which revealed a large number of microfilaria.


METHODS
A 30-year-old man presented with a chain of intermittent, firm swellings in both arms. FNAC of the swellings revealed a large number of 4 microfilariae with associated giant cell reaction and inflammatory cell-like eosinophils.


CONCLUSIONS
Besides the documented usual mode of presentation of filarial infection, it can present in an atypical manner, so careful examination of aspirates from the subcutaneous swellings, especially in filariasis endemic zones, is very important.
Garbyal
Rajendra S
RS
Department of Pathology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. rajgarbyal@yahoo.com
Arundhati
Bohra
Anshu
A
Bhujun
Kissonwttee H
KH
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001132:Arm; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D004487:Edema / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology; D004605:Elephantiasis, Filarial / Q000150:complications / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology*; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000469:parasitology; D015726:Giant Cells / Q000469:parasitology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008842:Microfilariae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014958:Wuchereria bancrofti / Q000302:isolation & purification*