Fine-needle aspiration of axillary swelling: Cytodiagnosis of an unusual presentation of filariasis

Abstract

Lymphatic filariasis is a major public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is not routinely used for its identification. However, it has been detected incidentally, while doing FNAC for the evaluation of other lesions. We describe a presentation of occult filariasis with microfilariae (mf) in an isolated axillary swelling wherein FNAC was helpful in establishing the diagnosis.

Isolated perinephric abscess as the initial manifestation of filariasis—an unusual presentation

“…Therefore, index case may represent occult filariasis. It is a filarial infection in which microfilariae are not observed in the blood but may be found in other body fluids and/or tissues 9 . Similar findings have also been reported by previous studies 9,10 .…”

“…9 Similar findings have also been reported by previous studies. 9,10 This highlights the issues associated with the most common diagnostic method for filariasis, indicating that other better and more reliable screening methods should be used in endemic countries where filariasis is prevalent and poses significant public health threat.…”