[Multiple pulmonary opacities revealing toxocariasis].

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Toxocariasis is a human parasitic infection caused by accidental ingestion of Toxocara roundworm larvae.
• In adults, it is often incidentally discovered during investigations for hypereosinophilia.
• Clinical manifestations are non-specific and depend on the organs affected.

Observation:

• A 53-year-old woman presented with cough and a history of resolved abdominal pain.
• Investigations revealed hypereosinophilia, hepatic hypoechogenic nodules on ultrasound, and bilateral pulmonary nodules with ground-glass halo on CT scan.
• Broncho-alveolar lavage showed eosinophilic alveolitis.

Findings:

• Serological tests and Western blot confirmed toxocariasis.
• The patient was diagnosed with pulmonary and hepatic toxocariasis.
• This case underscores the diagnostic challenge of visceral larva migrans.

Implications:

• Pulmonary toxocariasis is a rare but important differential diagnosis for pulmonary eosinophilia.
• Consideration of toxocariasis is crucial in patients with unexplained respiratory symptoms and eosinophilia, even without a travel history.
• Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent severe complications.