Subcutaneous Dirofilariasis: A Zoonosis of Significance

Accidental inoculation of dirofilarial worm by mosquitos into humans cause a zoonotic disease called dirofilariasis. Common sites of involvement are lungs, eyes and rarely subcutaneous areas. This is a case report of a 60-year-old woman presented with facial swelling for the past 6 months. Ultra sonogram revealed a cyst with worm like structures inside, which was excised surgically and histopathology confirmed with diagnosis with demonstration of Dirofilaria worm. This case report aims at reminding clinicians not to overlook or misdiagnose rare diagnoses like dirofilariasis during evaluation of subcutaneous swellings.