J Korean Soc Radiol.  2013 Nov;69(5):365-371. 10.3348/jksr.2013.69.5.365.

Paragonimiasis: A Pictorial Essay

• Jeon KN
• Park MJ
• Bae K
• Choi HY
• Choi HC
• Na JB
• Choi DS
• Kim HC
• Jang IS
• Kim DC

• KMID: 2002857
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2013.69.5.365

Abstract

Pleuropulmonary paragonimiasis is a parasitic infection caused by lung flukes including Paragonimus westermani. Paragonimiasis usually occurs from ingestion of raw or improperly cooked freshwater crabs or crayfish. Pleural or lung parenchymal lesions are commonly found on CT or chest radiographs, and radiologic manifestations of pleuropulmonary paragonimiasis vary with the stage of the disease. Early findings include pneumothorax or hydrothorax, focal air-space consolidation, and linear opacities. Later findings include thin-walled cysts, mass-like consolidation, nodules, or bronchiectasis. Pulmonary paragonimiasis often can be mistaken for pulmonary tuberculosis in tuberculosis-endemic areas or lung cancer when it presents as a solitary pulmonary nodule. Intraperitoneal or ectopic lesions such as those in the retroperitoneum can form during migration of a juvenile worm from the small intestine to the lungs. Although the symptoms and signs of pulmonary paragonimiasis are nonspecific, an early diagnosis can be made if radiologists understand the pathogenesis and typical imaging findings of the disease. The purpose of this report was to demonstrate the various imaging findings of pleuropulmonary paragonimiasis and to review articles to help radiologists make a proper diagnosis.

MeSH Terms

Astacoidea
Bronchiectasis
Early Diagnosis
Eating
Fresh Water
Hydrothorax
Intestine, Small
Lung
Lung Neoplasms
Paragonimiasis*
Paragonimus westermani
Pneumothorax
Solitary Pulmonary Nodule
Thorax
Trematoda
Tuberculosis, Pulmonary