Filariasis diagnosed by real-time ultrasound scanning as filarial dance sign – A case report

• Published in: IDCases 2022-01, Vol.30, p.e01621-e01621, Article e01621
• Main Authors: Gurung, Shekhar, Karki, Saurab, Kharal, Krishna, Thapa, Sudeep, Thapa, Suresh, Baral, Surakshya
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Filarial dance sign; Lymphatic filariasis; Real-time ultrasound scanning
• ISSN: 2214-2509; 2214-2509
• DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2022.e01621

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a vector-borne illness caused due to Wuchereria bancrofti. Genital abnormalities may result from chronic inflammation of the lymphatic vessels and obstruction of the afferent vessels in Bancroftian filariasis. Doxycycline, albendazole, diethylcarbamazine, and ivermectin are among the treatments available. A 16-year male presented to our OPD with a complaint of left inguinal swelling for the past 6 Months. Examination of the swelling revealed a left-sided inguinal swelling of 5 × 4 cm with intact overlying skin. A provisional diagnosis of inguinal lymph varix was made, and real-time ultrasound scanning along with FNAC was performed. Swelling resolved after conservative management. Ultrasonography can easily observe adult worms due to their size and fast movements. Using pulsed-wave doppler mode, the characteristic movement profile of adult worms in pulsed-wave doppler mode can be distinguished from other movements (e.g., blood in venous vessels). Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice to detect filarial worms/microfilaria in the lymphatic system, which produces the classic twirling of microfilaria in the lymphatic system, known as the "filarial dance sign".