[Deep onchocerciasis of the left thigh. An unusual case].

BACKGROUND

Commonly onchocercoma has been presented as superficial and multiple nodules. When it's unique and deeply situated, its clinical diagnosis is difficult. An uncommon form of onchocercoma is reported.

METHODS

A 37 years old man presented a big tumor at the inferior third of the left thigh like lipoma or liposarcoma because of microcalcifications. The tumor was removed. It was a cyst containing a liquid like an "mango juice". The histological examination was performed. Degenerated microfilariae of Onchocerca volvulus was found.

CONCLUSIONS

A big and deep onchocerma of the thigh is uncommon and diagnosis before operation is very difficult. Histological examination have eliminate filarial infections like Dracunculus medinensis and have given the right diagnosis. Radiological microcalcifications and absence of microfilariae at the parasilogical and ophthalmological examinations recall an "aged" onchocercoma. For this reason, we didn't realise a chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

This tumor in Sahel areas is very difficult to diagnose before operation. The histological examination is very important in this case. We don't use chemotherapy because this onchocercoma looks old without alive microfilariae.