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Babesiosis: CT and hematologic findings
Jonathan D Dodd1, Suzanne L Aquino, Amita Sharma
1Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. jonniedodd@gmail.com
Journal of Thoracic Imaging
|August 28, 2007
Summary
Babesiosis, a tick-borne disease caused by Babesia microti, can lead to severe lung issues in some patients. High-resolution CT scans showed lung abnormalities that resolved after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the protozoan Babesia microti.
- While often asymptomatic, it can cause severe illness in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those without a spleen.
- Pulmonary complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, can occur in severe cases.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old man presented with acute babesiosis.
- Radiographic and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging revealed bilateral patchy air space and interstitial opacities.
- HRCT specifically showed smooth septal thickening and intralobular lines superimposed on ground-glass opacities in the upper lobes.
Findings:
- The case highlights the radiographic and HRCT findings associated with acute babesiosis.
- HRCT demonstrated characteristic pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities.
- These abnormalities showed complete resolution on follow-up HRCT after two weeks of therapy.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering babesiosis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained pulmonary infiltrates, especially in endemic areas or in at-risk populations.
- HRCT is a valuable tool for visualizing and monitoring pulmonary changes in babesiosis.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment can lead to resolution of pulmonary manifestations.
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