Computed tomography findings in disseminated paragonimiasis.

Abstract

Paragonimiasis is an infection caused by the lung fluke Paragonimus westermani and related species. Although the lung is the primary site of infection, other organs, notably the central nervous system, may be involved. Human disease is caused by consumption of improperly cooked crustaceae infected by a larval stage of the parasite. The parasites excyst in the small intestine, penetrate the intestinal wall and enter the peritoneal cavity. They then proceed to the diaphragm, pleural cavity and the lung (Noble & Noble, 1982). Paragonimiasis is endemic in South East Asia and the Far East and cases have occurred in Africa and South America. Recently, several cases of paragonimiasis have been found in Indo-Chinese refugees in North America (Taylor & Swett, 1982; Johnson et al, 1982; Johnson & Johnson, 1983). Radiological findings in pulmonary paragonimiasis have been well described (Miller & Walker, 1955; Suwanik & Harinsuta, 1959; Ogakwu & Nwokolo, 1973; Reeder & Palmer, 1981). The purpose of this paper is to describe computed tomography (CT) findings in a case of disseminated paragonimiasis.