Pleuropulmonary paragonimiasis: CT findings in 31 patients.

Abstract

The purpose of our study was to identify any specific CT features that may help in the diagnosis of pleuropulmonary paragonimiasis. Pleuropulmonary paragonimiasis usually manifests as a subpleural or subfissural nodule of about 2 cm in diameter that frequently contains a necrotic low-attenuation area. The constellation of focal pleural thickening and subpleural linear opacities leading to a necrotic peripheral pulmonary nodule is another frequent CT finding of paragonimiasis. Although minimal and easily overlooked, focal fibrotic pleural thickening adjacent to a pulmonary nodule can be an important clue in the diagnosis of pleuropulmonary paragonimiasis on CT.