Dracunculiasis: Two Cases with Rare Presentations
An 8-year-old girl from rural area came with chief complaints of pain in left leg and ulcer on left shin of 15 days duration. These symptoms were recurrent for last 4 years. The ulcer used to heal with antibiotics and recur after few days. Biopsy done from the ulcer by the treating doctor showed only chronic inflammatory infiltrate. There was no evidence of osteomyelitis on X-ray. She was given anti-tubercular therapy and then multidrug therapy (MDT) for leprosy but the ulcer recurred.\nOn examination, there was an ulcer of size 3 × 3 cm on shin anterior aspect and a healed ulcer just above the present ulcer. Sensation was normal. There were no thickened nerves or lymphadenopathy. Her general and systemic examination and laboratory investigations were within normal limits. A X-ray of left leg showed no evidence of osteomyelitis however, it revealed a linear calcification ending in the ulcer. Previous X-ray also showed the same linear calcification []. A provisional diagnosis of GWD was made, on the basis or radiological features long linear chain mail type of calcification typical of calcified Gunieworm. As the lesion was chronic and recurrent, we decided to surgically remove the worm. When it was opened, a long linear calcified worm was found which was removed from the subcutaneous plain [Figures –]. Skin was sutured in layers []. Wound healed completely and there was no recurrence thereafter. We followed the case for 3 years and there were no complaints.