Irish medics issue chilling warning after parasitic worm removed from lump in Ukrainian man's groin

The Irish Sun

2 days ago

IRISH doctors have issued a chilling warning to patients with unexplained lumps and bumps - after a parasitic worm was surgically removed from the groin of a 32-year-old Ukrainian man.
He was referred by his GP to St. James's Hospital in
2
The ultrasound scan of the cavity containing the parasitic worm in the man's groin
Credit: COLLECT
As well as being in Ukraine, he had also travelled to
The patient couldn't recall any trauma that might have explained the lump.
A scan was performed and unexpectedly revealed a 13.8mm cavity underneath the skin, prompting doctors to refer him to the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Mater Hospital.
Surgery was performed and a parasitic worm was pulled from the excised lump, exhibiting 'a thick cuticle and prominent internal tubular structures within'.
Read more in Health
It had been surrounded by a 'dense, inflammatory infiltrate'.
The worm was a species of dirofilaria, which are white, thread-like organisms that can grow up to 12cm long.
The same parasite is known as heartworm in dogs, and can spread to the lungs in humans through the lymphatic system.
The disease caused by the parasite is endemic in
Most read in Health
They said the case was of 'particular relevance' due to current patterns of migration, which have resulted in 'relatively uncommon pathogens' presenting in common clinical scenarios in other countries.
The authors of the case report, which was published in the latest issue of the Irish Medical Journal, said it was a reminder to physicians to consider the possibility of rare parasitic infections in patients with unexplained lumps.
I thought I had sand in my eye - now I'm blind after parasite burrowed into my cornea
They noted that d.repens – a species of dirofilaria endemic in eastern and southern Europe – had recently emerged in previously transmission-free countries like Austria,
They said: 'Due to changing patterns of migration due to recent global events, relatively uncommon pathogens continue to present in common clinical scenarios, reminding physicians to include broader differentials in such encounters with patients who have epidemiological risk.
'This case illustrates the need to consider parasitic infections in the differential for painless lumps in those with a compatible travel history.
"This is of particular relevance as current patterns of emigration from war-affected Ukraine persist, where the condition is endemic.'
2
Doctors sent him to the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Mater Hospital
Credit: Getty