Dirofilarial nodule as a differential diagnosis for subcutaneous lumps in children
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In brief
In brief
This retrospective study of 55 pediatric patients in an endemic region identifies dirofilarial infestation as an important cause of subcutaneous nodules, commonly affecting the scrotum, back, and abdominal wall. Preoperative ultrasound showed parasitic features in 47% of cases, with histopathological confirmation in 55%, highlighting the need to consider parasitic etiology in differential diagnosis of pediatric subcutaneous masses in endemic areas.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Purpose
Subcutaneous nodules in children are commonly caused by pilomatrixoma, dermoid cysts, soft tissue tumors, etc. Parasitic infections are reported to cause subcutaneous nodules and are infrequently described, mostly in the adult literature. We aim to describe the clinicopathological features of subcutaneous lumps caused by dirofilarial infestation in children in an endemic country.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients presenting with the above condition to Lady Ridgeway Hospital from 2018 to 2022 and their relevant details were captured in a proforma.
Results
There were 55 patients with a male to female ratio of 2:1. The mean age at presentation was 50 months (7–156 months). The mean duration was 97 days (1–820 days). The common sites involved were scrotum (30.9%), back (14.5%), abdominal wall (102.7%) and face (10.9%). The majority had a painless nodule (70.9%), while ten (18.2%) had features of acute inflammation. Thirty (55.5%) had preoperative ultrasonography which showed features of parasitic nodules in 26 (47.3%). Parasite was demonstrated in histopathological analysis only in 30 patients (54.5%).
Conclusion
Dirofilarial nodule should be considered in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous lumps in children, especially in the endemic areas.