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[Pulmonary schistosoma nodule simulating neoplasia: case report]
Marcelo Cunha Fatureto1, Dalmo Correia, Márcia Benedita de Oliveira Silva
1Disciplina de Cirurgia Torácica da Faculdade de Medicina do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brasil.
Revista Da Sociedade Brasileira De Medicina Tropical
|March 31, 2004
Summary
Pulmonary schistosomiasis nodules can manifest decades after leaving endemic areas, even after treatment. This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in differential diagnoses, even in non-endemic settings.
Area of Science:
- Medical parasitology
- Pulmonary medicine
- Diagnostic imaging
Background:
- Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease endemic in tropical regions.
- Pulmonary manifestations of schistosomiasis are uncommon, especially in non-endemic areas.
- Late-stage diagnosis and treatment challenges in schistosomiasis.
Observation:
- A pulmonary nodule was detected during a routine examination in a healthy patient.
- The patient had a history of exposure to an endemic region 25 years prior.
- The nodule contained an adult Schistosoma parasite.
- The patient had previously undergone treatment with oxamniquine.
Findings:
- The pulmonary nodule was diagnosed as schistosomotic.
- The parasite was identified as an adult Schistosoma.
- The clinical presentation of the nodule mimicked lung neoplasia.
- The case occurred long after the patient left the endemic region.
Implications:
- Pulmonary schistosomiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lung nodules, even in patients from non-endemic areas.
- The case underscores the potential for long-term latency and late presentation of parasitic infections.
- Diagnostic imaging findings can be misleading, necessitating a thorough clinical history and, if necessary, further investigations.