Microfilaria in Thyroid Aspirate

In India, filariasis is endemic and a major health problem. We report a case of a young Indian female who presented with a swelling in front of neck, which moved with deglutition and not associated with signs or symptoms of hypo- or hyperthyroidism. The aspirate report was suggestive of microfilaria, with a microfollicular focus in a colloid nodule. Impression given was of a follicular neoplasm with microfilaria infestation. Having had this report, the blood sample was sent for microfilaria which confirmed its presence. Diethyl-carbamazine (DEC) was given for fourteen days and repeat aspirate didn’t reveal microfilaria or follicular neoplasm.