The filarial dance sign in scrotal filarial infection- a retrospective study

Objective. To determine the value of the filarial dance sign as a diagnostic sign of scrotal filarial infection and to recognize unsuspected scrotal filariasis by this sign.
Methods. Five symptomatic patients in whom the filarial dance sign was shown on high-resolution ultrasonography were studied, investigated, and followed after treatment with diethylcarbamazine citrate. Two patients underwent fine-needle aspiration.
Results. Multiple foci (nests) of motile (live) filarial worms were observed in most patients. Fine-needle aspiration of the dilated lymphatic vessels in 2 patients confirmed the presence of microfilariae. Four of 5 patients had a favorable response to treatment with diethylcarbamazine citrate.
Conclusions. High-resolution ultrasonography is a useful technique for diagnosing scrotal filariasis in symptomatic patients and is very useful in the follow-up period for assessing the response of worms to treatment.