[Subconjunctival dirofilariasis: a case report].
BACKGROUND
Dirofilariasis is a disease rarely seen in humans, occurring commonly in noncarnivorous mammals. The microfilariae are transmitted by a mosquito vector. Ocular dirofilariasis is rarely described in the ophthalmic literature.


METHODS
An 81-year-old woman living in the north of France had a history of sudden pain and swelling of the left orbit. On slit lamp examination, a white worm was seen under the superior bulbar conjunctiva. Excision of the subconjunctival worm was adequate treatment and was important for parasite identification.


CONCLUSIONS
Dirofilariasis is broad-based and is more common in Italy. Cases in France are found in the south. Ocular symptoms are frequently subconjunctival, but many cases of orbital involvement are found. Treatment is only surgical; systemic medication is not necessary.


CONCLUSIONS
Ocular dirofilariasis is exceptional. Case reports in ophthalmic literature are rare. This parasite infection is probably underdiagnosed.
Khechine-Martinez
R
R
Service d'ophtalmologie, Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75743 Paris cedex 15, France. kh.ska@laposte.net
Doucet
C
C
Blanchard
S
S
Rouland
J-F
JF
Labalette
P
P
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000469:parasitology*; D004184:Dirofilariasis / Q000175:diagnosis; D015822:Eye Infections, Parasitic / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans