pulmonary paragonimiasis

Pulmonary paragonimiasis is a food-borne parasitic disease caused by the lung fluke (trematode) Paragonimus westermani. It is endemic in southeast Asia, the Far East, and is also relatively common in Latin America and Africa . The disease can affect both the lung and pleura , although lung parenchymal involvement is thought to be commoner than pleural involvement .

Radiographic features

CT

CT chest: HRCT

It usually manifests as a poorly marginated subpleural or subfissural nodule of about 2 cm in diameter that frequently contains a necrotic low attenuation area . The constellation of focal pleural thickening and subpleural linear opacities leading to a necrotic peripheral pulmonary nodule is another frequent CT finding.

There are also a myriad of other associated non-specific features. These can vary with the stage of disease.

Early findings are thought to be caused by the migration of juvenile worms and include:

• pneumothorax or hydropneumothorax
• focal airspace consolidation
• linear opacities

Later findings are thought to be caused by worm cysts and include:

• thin-walled cysts
• dense mass-like consolidation
• nodules
• bronchiectasis

Differential diagnosis

Imaging features can sometimes mimic that of lung cancer or pulmonary tuberculosis .

Siehe auch:

• Lungenkarzinom
• pulmonale Tuberkulose