[Pneumothorax in distomatosis]

Presse Med. 2001 Nov 3;30(32):1587-8.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Distomatosis is a parasite infection following ingestion of food contaminated by Fasciola hépatica, the tropism of which is essentially hepatic. The mechanism of this exceptional complication is discussed in two cases of pneumothorax.

Observations: Two 35 and 60 year-old patients presenting spontaneous pneumothorax during distomatosis, the first revealing the disease, the second suggesting the evolution of a severe form of the disease. The surgical biopsy in the first patient revealed a granulomatous pleuro-pneumopathy rich in giant cells.

Discussion: Pulmonary manifestations of distomatosis are frequent during the invasive phase. Their immunoallergic origin can be questioned and emphasis should be placed on lesions secondary to aberrant parasite migrations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Fascioliasis / complications*
  • Female
  • Food Parasitology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumothorax / parasitology*