[Subcutaneous dirofilariasis of the upper lip in Tunisia].

Introduction: Dirofilariasis is a rare anthroponotic disease caused by Dirofilaria, the principal reservoir of which is the dog. The first case of subcutaneous dirofilariasis in Tunisia was reported in 1990.

Case report: We report a case involving a 40-year-old woman living in northeastern Tunisia who presented with a subcutaneous lesion of the upper lip resembling a sebaceous cyst. Excisional biopsy released a worm identified on morphologic examination as Dirofilaria repens. Only excision allows simultaneous diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion: This is the 14th case of dirofilariasis reported in Tunisia. This parasitic disease is probably underestimated in our country. It should be considered for all subcutaneous nodules, regardless of localisation.