Case Report
Open Access
Subcutaneous Nematode Mimicking Soft Tissue
Neoplasm: A Case Report with Review of Literature
Khaled Murshed1*, Rayan Sibira1 and Adham Ammar1
1Department of Lab medicine & Pathology, Histopathology section, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
*Corresponding author: Khaled Abdelfattah Murshed, MD, Chief Resident– Anatomical pathology, PO BOX 3050, Department of Lab medicine and
pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, State of Qatar, Email:
@
Received: June 06, 2019; Accepted: June 27, 2019; Published: July 01, 2019
Citation: Murshed K, Sibira R, Adham A (2019) Subcutaneous Nematode Mimicking Soft Tissue Neoplasm: A Case Report with Review of Literature. J Emerg Crit Care Diagn Manag 2(1): 1-3.
Parasitic infections can involve various organs of the human
body; one the most common sites is the gastrointestinal tract. Their
identification as isolated organ involvement in the soft tissues is
unusual and under diagnosed event. Herein, we report a case of
a 15 year old Indian male patient who presented with soft tissue
swelling in his right arm. MRI imaging revealed an oval-shaped
mass lesion measuring 2 cm in diameter with intense post-contrast
enhancement and non-enhancing center. Soft tissue neoplasm
was suspected and direct surgical wide excision of the mass was
performed. Unexpectedly, histopathologic examination revealed
Nematode worms with exuberant tissue response causing this mass
lesion.
Parasitic infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue lesions, especially in endemic populations or when there is a history of travel or immigration from an endemic region. If such lesions are misdiagnosed as a neoplastic process, this may lead to unnecessary overtreatment for a disease meant be cured by simple surgical excision and antiparasitic medications.
Keywords: Parasite; Nematode infection; Soft tissue neoplasm
Parasitic infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue lesions, especially in endemic populations or when there is a history of travel or immigration from an endemic region. If such lesions are misdiagnosed as a neoplastic process, this may lead to unnecessary overtreatment for a disease meant be cured by simple surgical excision and antiparasitic medications.
Keywords: Parasite; Nematode infection; Soft tissue neoplasm
Parasitic infestation of the soft tissues with mass formation
is unusual and under diagnosed event [1,2]. Clinical history
is essential to suspect parasitic diseases. The primary factor
that contributes to the risk is exposure history; such as travel
or immigration from endemic regions [3]. Socioeconomic and
demographic factors, including crowding, nutrition, age, and
immune-status are also factors that influence incidence and
severity of parasitic infections [4].
We report a case of subcutaneous Nematode infection in the arm that was initially misdiagnosed clinically and radiologically as a soft tissue tumor. These soft tissue infections can pose a diagnostic challenge; they sometimes may not be included in the initial differential diagnosis as they can simulate other conditions such as inflammatory disorders or neoplastic processes, until the worm is confirmed from the mass lesion.
We report a case of subcutaneous Nematode infection in the arm that was initially misdiagnosed clinically and radiologically as a soft tissue tumor. These soft tissue infections can pose a diagnostic challenge; they sometimes may not be included in the initial differential diagnosis as they can simulate other conditions such as inflammatory disorders or neoplastic processes, until the worm is confirmed from the mass lesion.
A 15-year-old Indian male presented to the emergency
department at Hamad General Hospital with right arm swelling
for 3 weeks duration. The swelling was painful and itchy.
However, there was no fever, loss of appetite or weight loss.
Physical examination revealed a firm tender lump over the lateral
aspect of the right arm. The lump was superficial, solid and the
overlying skin was intact. No redness or warmth was noted.
Further examination showed no other lesion at other sites.
Based on the initial clinical assessment, deep vein thrombosis was suspected. Ultrasound examination of the right arm showed marked subcutaneous fat edema in the lateral posterior compartment of the lower half of the right arm, however, the deep veins were patent with no evidence of thrombosis. Complete blood count was performed which revealed marked eosinophilia. Accordingly, further investigations were performed. IgE level was markedly elevated. Stool analysis for ova and parasites came negative. MRI imaging was performed which revealed an ovalshaped mass lesion at the distal third of the upper arm measuring 2x1.3x1.2 cm with intense post-contrast enhancement and non-enhancing center. The radiological differential diagnosis included nodular fasciitis, peripheral nerve sheath tumor and myxofibrosarcoma.
Based on the radiological and clinical suspicion of soft tissue tumor, direct surgical wide excision of the mass was performed. Histopathologic examination revealed a well-circumscribed lesion in the subcutaneous tissue composed of exuberant inflammatory cell infiltrate comprising lymphocytes, histiocytes and abundant eosinophils with necrotic material. Within the center, parasitic organisms consistent with Nematode Helminthes were identified (Figure 1A). These Nematodes characterized morphologically by the presence of thick outer multilayered cuticle, thick muscular bands, alimentary tract and internal reproductive organs (Figures 1B and 1C). Based on the morphological features, the differential diagnosis for this Nematode worm includes Dirofilaria spp. and Dracunculus spp.
Based on the initial clinical assessment, deep vein thrombosis was suspected. Ultrasound examination of the right arm showed marked subcutaneous fat edema in the lateral posterior compartment of the lower half of the right arm, however, the deep veins were patent with no evidence of thrombosis. Complete blood count was performed which revealed marked eosinophilia. Accordingly, further investigations were performed. IgE level was markedly elevated. Stool analysis for ova and parasites came negative. MRI imaging was performed which revealed an ovalshaped mass lesion at the distal third of the upper arm measuring 2x1.3x1.2 cm with intense post-contrast enhancement and non-enhancing center. The radiological differential diagnosis included nodular fasciitis, peripheral nerve sheath tumor and myxofibrosarcoma.
Based on the radiological and clinical suspicion of soft tissue tumor, direct surgical wide excision of the mass was performed. Histopathologic examination revealed a well-circumscribed lesion in the subcutaneous tissue composed of exuberant inflammatory cell infiltrate comprising lymphocytes, histiocytes and abundant eosinophils with necrotic material. Within the center, parasitic organisms consistent with Nematode Helminthes were identified (Figure 1A). These Nematodes characterized morphologically by the presence of thick outer multilayered cuticle, thick muscular bands, alimentary tract and internal reproductive organs (Figures 1B and 1C). Based on the morphological features, the differential diagnosis for this Nematode worm includes Dirofilaria spp. and Dracunculus spp.
Figure 1A:Haematoxylin and eosin stain (H&E). Photomicrograph depicting
a well-circumscribed mass in the subcutaneous adipose tissue,
composed of Nematode Helminthes in the center, surrounded by exuberant
inflammatory cell infiltrates
Figure 1B:H&E stain. On high power, the Nematode is characterized
by having thick outer multilayered cuticle, internal reproductive organs
and alimentary tract
Figure 1C:H&E stain. On high power, the Nematode is characterized
by having thick outer multilayered cuticle, internal reproductive organs
and alimentary tract
Parasitic infestation of the soft tissues with mass formation
is an unusual event [1,2]. A thorough clinical history is essential
to suspect parasitic diseases. Immigration from endemic regions
increases the risk of these types of infections [3]. Patients with
chronic illnesses or with impaired immunity are also at increased
risk for these kinds of infections, who can even develop more
virulent forms of the disease [4]. It should be emphasized that
climate change has also contributed to the emergence and reemergence
of parasitic diseases. The impending climate change
has contributed to alteration of the spread and distribution of
Vector-Borne Parasitic diseases, ingested protozoa and soiltransmitted
Helminthiases [5].
These soft tissue lesions can pose a diagnostic challenge for health professionals especially if encountered in non-endemic populations. It is becoming increasingly evident that due to globalization, migration and international travel, infectious diseases can still be encountered in non-endemic populations. These diseases may not be initially included in the differential diagnosis by the clinicians as they can simulate other conditions; such as inflammatory disorders or neoplastic processes. They may only be considered after more common causes of the presentations are ruled out [3,6].
There are some cases reported in the literature of parasitic infection that mimicked clinically a soft tissue tumor. Hwang et al reported a case of young female patient presented with a subcutaneous swelling in the thigh. The mass in that case was clinically misdiagnosed as a soft tissue tumor and total surgical excision was performed. Histopathologic examination revealed parasitic organisms morphologically consistent with Spirometra mansoni [7]. Basarir et al also reported five cases of primary muscular hydatidosis that mimicked clinically soft tissue tumor [8].
Our patient presented with a localized swelling at the right arm. Clinically, deep vein thrombosis was initially suspected. This possibility was excluded by ultrasound examination that revealed patent deep veins. Blood tests revealed marked peripheral eosinophilia. Peripheral eosinophilia can be caused by various conditions mainly including allergic reactions, parasitic infestations and neoplastic disorders. The patient was then investigated accordingly. IgE levels were elevated and stool analysis for ova and parasites came negative. The features were suspicious on MRI imaging and could not rule out more sinister neoplastic diseases such as peripheral nerve sheath tumor or myxofibrosarcoma. Due to the clinical and radiological suspicion, the case has been discussed in in the multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting, where individualized treatment options are tailored to every patient according to the case and the general medical condition. There was an agreement to perform direct surgical wide excision as an initial step in order to identify the nature of the lesion before proceeding for further treatment. Special laboratory investigations and serological testing were not performed, because the patient decided to undergo surgery to clarify the etiology of the mass lesion as parasitic infection was not suspected. The histopathologic identification of Nematode helminthes was very unexpected and unusual finding in the resected specimen.
Nematode worms are among the most ubiquitous organisms on earth. They are round with a body cavity. Its body wall is composed of a cuticle acting to protect the animal from the external environment and a single layer of longitudinal muscle cells allowing it to move back and forth. The digestive system is generally divided into stomodaeum, mesenteron and proctodeum. Male reproductive system is mainly formed of testes and ducts as vas deference, seminal vesicles and ejaculatory ducts. The female reproductive system is double so there are two ovaries, two oviducts and two uteri. The uteri are much larger than either oviducts or ovaries. They are filled with large, shelled "eggs" in various stages of oogenesis and development [9].
On the basis of our experience with this case, we concluded that subcutaneous Nematode infections can mimic soft tissue tumor in terms of clinical manifestations and radiological findings. It is very important to consider it in the differential diagnosis in endemic populations or when there is a history of travel or immigration from endemic regions. If recognized and correctly diagnosed, these infections can be cured by simple surgical excision and anti-parasitic medications.
These soft tissue lesions can pose a diagnostic challenge for health professionals especially if encountered in non-endemic populations. It is becoming increasingly evident that due to globalization, migration and international travel, infectious diseases can still be encountered in non-endemic populations. These diseases may not be initially included in the differential diagnosis by the clinicians as they can simulate other conditions; such as inflammatory disorders or neoplastic processes. They may only be considered after more common causes of the presentations are ruled out [3,6].
There are some cases reported in the literature of parasitic infection that mimicked clinically a soft tissue tumor. Hwang et al reported a case of young female patient presented with a subcutaneous swelling in the thigh. The mass in that case was clinically misdiagnosed as a soft tissue tumor and total surgical excision was performed. Histopathologic examination revealed parasitic organisms morphologically consistent with Spirometra mansoni [7]. Basarir et al also reported five cases of primary muscular hydatidosis that mimicked clinically soft tissue tumor [8].
Our patient presented with a localized swelling at the right arm. Clinically, deep vein thrombosis was initially suspected. This possibility was excluded by ultrasound examination that revealed patent deep veins. Blood tests revealed marked peripheral eosinophilia. Peripheral eosinophilia can be caused by various conditions mainly including allergic reactions, parasitic infestations and neoplastic disorders. The patient was then investigated accordingly. IgE levels were elevated and stool analysis for ova and parasites came negative. The features were suspicious on MRI imaging and could not rule out more sinister neoplastic diseases such as peripheral nerve sheath tumor or myxofibrosarcoma. Due to the clinical and radiological suspicion, the case has been discussed in in the multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting, where individualized treatment options are tailored to every patient according to the case and the general medical condition. There was an agreement to perform direct surgical wide excision as an initial step in order to identify the nature of the lesion before proceeding for further treatment. Special laboratory investigations and serological testing were not performed, because the patient decided to undergo surgery to clarify the etiology of the mass lesion as parasitic infection was not suspected. The histopathologic identification of Nematode helminthes was very unexpected and unusual finding in the resected specimen.
Nematode worms are among the most ubiquitous organisms on earth. They are round with a body cavity. Its body wall is composed of a cuticle acting to protect the animal from the external environment and a single layer of longitudinal muscle cells allowing it to move back and forth. The digestive system is generally divided into stomodaeum, mesenteron and proctodeum. Male reproductive system is mainly formed of testes and ducts as vas deference, seminal vesicles and ejaculatory ducts. The female reproductive system is double so there are two ovaries, two oviducts and two uteri. The uteri are much larger than either oviducts or ovaries. They are filled with large, shelled "eggs" in various stages of oogenesis and development [9].
On the basis of our experience with this case, we concluded that subcutaneous Nematode infections can mimic soft tissue tumor in terms of clinical manifestations and radiological findings. It is very important to consider it in the differential diagnosis in endemic populations or when there is a history of travel or immigration from endemic regions. If recognized and correctly diagnosed, these infections can be cured by simple surgical excision and anti-parasitic medications.
All authors attest that they meet the current ICMJE criteria
for Authorship.
ReferencesTop
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