dirofilariasis

Etiology: infection caused by the dog heartworm Dirofilaria immitis. Epidemiology: 1) endemic to eastern & southeastern U.S. a) Mississippi River valley b) Gulf coast 2) transmitted to humans by mosquitoes 3) exposure to dogs Clinical manifestations: 1) pulmonary symptoms most common presentation 2) hepatic involvement in 40% Laboratory: 1) eosinophilia (15%) 2) serology Radiology: - chest X-ray - round or oval cystic or solid lesions a) generally 1.5-2.5 cm in diameter b) solitary or multiple Complications: - rupture of pulmonary cysts a) anaphylactic shock b) hypersensitivity reaction c) seeding of adjacent areas

References

Mayo Internal Medicine Board Review, 1998-99, Prakash UBS (ed) Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, 1998, pg 810