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Eosinophilic pleuritis due to sparganum: a case report
Youngmin Oh1, Jeong-Tae Kim1, Mi-Kyeong Kim1
1Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 361-711, Korea.
The Korean Journal of Parasitology
|October 30, 2014
Summary
Sparganosis, a rare parasitic infection, can cause eosinophilic pleural effusion. Early diagnosis and drainage of the sparganum worm led to patient recovery.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Sparganosis is a rare parasitic infection caused by Spirometra tapeworm larvae.
- Human infection typically results from consuming undercooked meat of infected animals like frogs, snakes, or chickens.
- The condition is uncommon, particularly presenting as a cause of pleural effusion.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old male presented with left lower chest pain.
- Imaging revealed localized pleural effusion, peripheral blood eosinophilia, and eosinophilic pleural fluid.
- Drainage yielded a worm-like material identified as a sparganum via DNA sequencing.
Findings:
- Successful identification and removal of a sparganum larva from the pleural space.
- The patient experienced significant clinical improvement post-drainage.
- DNA sequencing confirmed the parasitic etiology of the pleural effusion.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in cases of unexplained eosinophilic pleural effusion.
- Emphasizes the diagnostic value of imaging and fluid analysis in identifying rare parasitic diseases.
- Demonstrates that prompt diagnosis and intervention can lead to favorable patient outcomes in sparganosis.
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