CTICasesPulmonary Dirofilariasis
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Imaging findings
High-resolution CT chest in an asymptomatic child from the Midwest demonstrates multiple extremely well-defined, smooth, peripheral, basal-predominant pulmonary nodules, several of which exhibit dense target-like or central calcification.
Key takeaways
Pulmonary dirofilariasis is caused by Dirofilaria immitis (dog heartworm), transmitted to humans via mosquito bites. Because humans are accidental, dead-end hosts, the immature worms embolize to the pulmonary vasculature, die, and elicit a localized granulomatous reaction. While typically presenting as a solitary, non-calcified, subpleural nodule mimicking malignancy, multiple calcified lesions can occur and must be differentiated from histoplasmosis and benign tumors.
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