Radiological Manifestations of Parasitism by the Tongue Worms, Flat Worms and the Round Worms More Commonly Seen in the Tropics

Abstract

Parasitism is a widespread phenomenon particularly in the tropics. Radiology can often indicate a clinically unsuspected infestation, but is usually of little help in the acute stages of infestation except in ascariasis paragonimiasis and hydatid disease. This is because radiographic diagnosis of the parasite depends on dystrophic calcification of its body or investing membrane, after its death. With increasing numbers of indigenes from tropical countries visiting Britain and becoming potential patients radiological manifestations of tropical parasitism should be known to radiologists in the United Kingdom. These are degenerate, worm-like arthropods formerly classified with the Arachnida, although they are not closely related to any other group. The adults have elongated annulated bodies. They have two pairs of retractile mouth hooks. Otherwise there are no traces of legs, antennae or palpi in the adults. The species of medical and radiological interest are included in the family Linguatulidae (tongue wor...