Aseptic knee effusion associated with calcified guinea worms

Reported is a case of aseptic knee effusion associated with the presence of a calcified guinea worm, Dracunculus medinensis, in close proximity to the joint. The patient, a native of Nigeria, presented with chronic right knee pain and swelling. He did well with symptomatic treatment including non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, rest, ice, and elevation of the leg. Dracunculiasis is prevalent in parts of Asia and Africa, but has been described only rarely in the United States.