Lymph Node Enlargement in Neck Filariasis as a Rare Cause: A Case Report

Abstract

Lymphatic filariasis is endemic to tropical countries and is the most common cause of acquired lymphedema in the world. Wuchereria bancrofti is the main etiological agent responsible. While the presentation of filariasis in limbs is common, isolated presentation as a single enlarged lymph node in the neck is very rare. We describe a 48-year-old Indian woman, who presented with a hard lymph node in the neck. There was no other significant lymph node enlargement. The overlying skin was erythematous, and no other findings were present on examination. Ultrasonography of the neck revealed a single enlarged lymph node in the left level 2 region, and fine-needle aspiration cytology showed microfilariae with surrounding inflammatory infiltrate. The patient was started on oral diethylcarbamazine and after 2 weeks of therapy, the lymph node enlargement in the neck subsided and the erythema was relieved.