PULMONARY PARAGONIMIASIS: A REVIEW WITH CASE REPORTS FROM KOREA AND THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

The history, geographical distr. and life cycle of Paragonimus westermani are reviewed. It is anticipated that pulmonary paragonimiasis may be encountered among American personnel who have served in endemic regions during the recent global war or the current Korea conflict, and may be misdiagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, cystic disease of the lungs, etc. Two such cases have been seen by the authors and are presented in some detail. The symptoms, clinical course, X-ray findings, pathogenesis, complications, and treatment are discussed in light of the authors'' experiences in the Philippines and Korea. Clinical experience implies that ingestion of metacercaria-containing crustaceans is not essential and that the disease may be contracted by drinking contaminated water. Tubercle-like lesions and caseation necrosis were seen only when there was coexisting pulmonary tuberculosis.