Epidemiology
- Rare etiology of solitary pulmonary nodule
Etiology
- Dirofilaria immitis (dog heartworm)
Physiology
- Humans are an imperfect host for this parasite: hence, dead immature larvae may embolize into pulmonary circulation, producing infarction and inflammation
Diagnosis
- CXR/Chest CT Pattern
- Well-defined nodule (involvement of larger pulmonary arteries may produce a wedge-shaped density simulating pulmonary infarction)
- Location: no known predilection
- Calcification: sometimes
- Cavitation: sometimes
- Infiltrative lesions (uncommon):
Clinical Manifestations
Pulmonary Manifestations
Other Manifestations
Treatment
- No treatment is necessary in humans
References