Subconjunctival dirofilariasis in a healthy subject: a case report.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of subconjunctival dirofilariasis presenting as an inflammatory mass-like lesion in a healthy individual.

Case presentation: A 20-year-old male with a recent history of wildlife exposure in a rural village presented with an inflammatory subconjunctival mass in his left eye. The lesion was surgically excised, and histopathological examination confirmed the presence of an immature nematode of Dirofilaria immitis. The patient was treated with oral ivermectin for two weeks postoperatively. After two months, the lesion had almost completely resolved, and no recurrence was observed during the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions: Given the rarity of ocular dirofilariasis and its diverse presentations in different ocular and adnexal structures, prompt and complete excision followed by meticulous histopathological evaluation is crucial to guide appropriate management and achieve favorable outcomes.