Breast filariasis: Real‐time sonographic imaging of the filarial dance

Abstract

A 50-year-old woman presented with a palpable tender nodule in the upper quadrant of the breast that was clinically thought to be a fibroadenoma, with mammographic findings of a well-defined lobulated density. Sonographic examination revealed a "filarial dance sign" within the cystic lesion, which is diagnostic of lymphatic breast filariasis. In endemic areas, sonographic examination is recommended to search for this pathognomonic real-time diagnostic feature and, if present, to initiate treatment without delay.

Breast Filariasis Diagnosed by Real Time Sonographic Imaging: A Case Report

“…This was confirmed on cytologic examination of the aspirate. These findings were similar to those of Surendrababu et al ( 10 ).…”

“Filarial dance sign” real‐time ultrasound diagnosis of filarial oophoritis

“…Literature review revealed incidental diagnosis of filarial infestation of female genital tract . Worm nests have been found in the breast, thigh, calf, scrotum, and inguinal nodes …”

“…Literature review revealed incidental diagnosis of filarial infestation of female genital tract. 1,2 Worm nests have been found in the breast, 3 thigh, calf, scrotum, 4 and inguinal nodes. 5 The FDS seen in distended lymphatics is characteristic of filarial infestation.…”

Breast involvement in visceral leishmaniasis

“…Only a few protozoans such as trichomonas and echinococcus and nematodes like filaria can involve the breast, resulting in mostly cystic lesions. 10,11 Only one case with a solid mass caused by protozoan has been reported so far. In that case, the parasitic agent was leishmania and the diagnosis was achieved by a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.…”