Musculoskeletal Imaging

Loiasis

a filarial disease of subcutaneous tissues caused by larvae of the organism Loa loa (African eye worm). Loiasis is prevalent in West and Central Africa. After burrowing into the deeper subcutaneous tissue, the larvae mature to adult worms. Allergic reactions produce localized inflammation in the subcutaneous tissue, particularly in the forearm, termed Calabar swellings. Dead worms also cause abscesses or undergo calcification (Fig.1).

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Fig.1

Coned-down radiograph of the index finger demonstrates numerous faint calcifications in the soft tissues.
Loiasis, Fig.1