Vulvar filarial elephantiasis in a tanzanian woman ; rare presentation of lymphatic filariasis : a case report and a review of literature

Abstract EN

Lymphatic filariasis is frequently caused by Wuchereria banchrofti a widely distributed filarial worm throughout tropical regions of Asia and Africa.

This worm is particularly prevalent in wet and humid areas.

The common clinical manifestations of Banchroftian filariasis are acute adenolymphangitis, hydrocele, lymphedema and elephantiasis.

Of these, elephantiasis appears to be most common in the legs.

Pathology in the arms, scrotum and penis are also common.

On the other hand elephantiasis of the vulva and the female breast is extremely rare and its occurrence deserves a mention in medical literature.

Presented here is a 21 years old female who presented with progressive unilateral vulvar swelling over a period of two years.

Microfilariae were found in peripheral blood film.

The diagnosis of vulvar filarial elephantiasis was reached.

The patient underwent reconstructive surgery and planned to be initiated on Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC) which is a drug of choice in cases of filarial infestations.