Filariasis of the Breast in a Pregnant Woman Diagnosed by Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology: A Case Report
1995
Filariasis of the Breast in a Pregnant Woman
Sample size: 1
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Melanie Lau, Pamela Tauchi, Milton Kim, Francis Liu, Thomas Namiki
Primary Institution: The Queen's Medical Center
Hypothesis
Can fine-needle aspiration cytology reliably diagnose filariasis in pregnant women?
Conclusion
Fine-needle aspiration is a safe and reliable method for diagnosing breast filariasis in pregnant women.
Supporting Evidence
- FNA is a safe method for evaluating breast masses in pregnant patients.
- Transplacental transmission of microfilaria may occur in up to 10% of pregnancies of infected mothers.
- Most cases of filariasis in the U.S. involve immigrants from endemic areas.
Takeaway
A pregnant woman had a breast lump that turned out to be a type of worm infection, and doctors used a special needle to check it safely.
Methodology
Fine-needle aspiration cytology was performed to diagnose the breast mass.
Limitations
The patient did not return for follow-up after delivery.
Participant Demographics
28-year-old Samoan woman, G3P0
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