Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
07:27
Robotic-assisted Left Pneumonectomy For Vanishing Lung Syndrome
Published on: January 23, 2026
Unusual case of a lung abscess
Duduzile Musa1, Gauri Godbole, Peter L Chiodini
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK.
BMJ Case Reports
|April 19, 2013
Summary
A rare lung abscess caused by Fasciola, a parasitic worm, was successfully treated with antiparasitic medication. This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in persistent lung abscesses unresponsive to antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- A 56-year-old female presented with symptoms suggestive of a lung abscess, including fever, weight loss, and cough, following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
- Initial investigations revealed persistent eosinophilia and a lung abscess on chest x-ray, which did not respond to broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Observation:
- Chest CT scan demonstrated a pleural collection contiguous with the lung abscess.
- Bronchoscopy revealed Fasciola eggs in bronchial washings, with negative bacterial and fungal cultures.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with a lung abscess attributed to ectopic Fasciola infection.
- Microscopic examination of bronchial washings was crucial for identifying the parasitic etiology.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for Fasciola to cause lung abscesses, a rare but significant ectopic presentation.
- Successful treatment with triclabendazole highlights the efficacy of antiparasitic agents in managing such infections.
- Clinicians should consider parasitic infections in the differential diagnosis of lung abscesses, especially in endemic areas or in patients with relevant travel history.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:14Atypical Pneumonia
Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
01:30Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Respiratory system abnormalities are a significant concern in healthcare due to their potential to indicate underlying severe conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia. These abnormalities can often be detected through physical examination methods like inspection and percussion.
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
01:26Pneumothorax-I
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following: