Diagnosis of microfilaria in gastric brush cytology. A case report.

BACKGROUND

Filariasis due to Wuchereria bancrofti is endemic to southern Asia. While the laboratory diagnosis has been conventionally made by demonstrating microfilariae in peripheral blood smears, these have also been occasionally diagnosed on aspiration cytology of various organs.

CASE: A 54-year-old male presented with a burning sensation in the epigastrium of five months' duration. Endoscopic brush biopsy revealed numerous sheathed microfilariae of W bancrofti. The patient had had no symptoms suggestive of filarial infection in the past. Cytology revealed numerous microfilariae among lymphocytes and neutrophils.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates that a thorough examination of gastric brushings can at times reveal unexpected findings and may prove to be a useful supplement to endoscopic biopsy.