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Chylothorax caused by Paragonimus westermani in a native Californian
Robert S Wright1, Marian Jean2, Karen Rochelle2
1David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles; Santa Barbara Pulmonary Consultants, Santa Barbara.
Chest
|October 6, 2011
Summary
Paragonimiasis, a parasitic lung infection, rarely causes chylothorax in the US. This case highlights a unique instance in a Californian infected by imported raw crabs, presenting a rare pleural effusion complication.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Paragonimiasis is a parasitic lung infection typically found in Asia.
- Common symptoms include cough and hemoptysis; pleural effusions are frequent.
- A true chylothorax is an exceptionally rare complication of paragonimiasis.
Observation:
- A case of chylothorax occurred in a native Californian.
- The patient had no travel history to endemic Asian regions.
- Infection was linked to consuming raw freshwater crabs from a local sushi restaurant.
Findings:
- The causative agent was identified as Paragonimus westermani.
- This represents the first reported case of chylothorax due to Paragonimus westermani.
- The freshwater crabs, the source of infection, were imported from Asia.
Implications:
- This case expands the known clinical manifestations of paragonimiasis.
- It underscores the risk of parasitic infections from imported food products.
- Highlights the importance of considering paragonimiasis in unexplained chylothorax, even in non-endemic areas.
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