Visceral manifestations due to zoonotic Dirofilaria repens have not been reported in Sri Lanka. A 46-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with abdominal pain and ankle oedema. There was ultrasonographic evidence of ascites and laparoscopy was performed to exclude malignancy. Cytology of ascitic fluid revealed inflammatory cells, and histology of omental biopsy showed a cross-section of a worm within a granuloma. The presence of cuticular ridges, tall coelomyarian muscles, prominent lateral chords and the presence of developing eggs within a uterine tube was compatible with female Dirofilaria repens. Blood was negative for microfilariae. She was treated with halfdose diethylcarbamazine (DEC) for fourteen days. Ascites persisted, albeit treatment. Therefore, repeat laparoscopy and infracolic omentectomy were performed. Repeat cytology and histology revealed no abnormalities, which was attributed to the complete removal of the worm. Whether immunosuppression with diabetes mellitus led to visceralisation of dirofilariasis is a concern.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.