Ovarian filariasis presenting as tubo-ovarian mass: Report of a rare case

Abstract

Filariasis of ovary is rare. Exact incidence is not known. Herein, we report a case of filarial worm affecting right ovary in a 35-year-old female patient who presented with chronic pelvic pain. Ultrasonography of lower abdomen revealed a tubo-ovarian mass on the right side. Right-sided salpingo-oophorectomy was done. Grossly, ovary was slightly enlarged in size (5 cm × 2.5 cm × 2 cm). Cut surface showed several tiny cysts at the periphery. The lumen of the fallopian tube was blocked. Histopathological examination of the ovary showed lymphangiectasia with microfilaria in one of the dilated lymphatics. Few cystic follicles were also seen in the sections. Section from the tube showed features of chronic salpingitis. She was given a course of diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) for 3 weeks postoperatively. On follow-up, the patient was doing well without any complication.

Keywords

• Ovarian filariasis
• pelvic pain
• tubo-ovarian mass