[Visceral larva migrans in adults with severe pulmonary manifestations].
BACKGROUND
Toxocariosis, the most frequent cause of visceral larva migrans, is usually a disease of children due to ingestion of eggs from the roundworm of dogs (Toxocara canis). Clinical expression varies from an symptomatic state to fuminant disorders; hepatomegaly with fever is frequent. Severe symptoms (rarely in adults) may occur.


METHODS
A 42-year-old male with no past medical history complained of sudden onset pulmonary disorders. Laboratory findings included eosinophilia on blood tests, a severe respiratory obstructive syndrome and positive serum tests for Toxocara canis. All clinical and biological abnormalities regressed in a few weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Diagnosis of visceral larva migrans is exceptional in adults and can only be proven by positive serological tests. Correct treatment remains under debate.
Bourée
P
P
Département des Maladies parasitaires et tropicales, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre.
Grimault
E
E
Fromentin
J
J
Tandjaoui-Lambiotte
H
H
Tazi
A
A
Battesti
J P
JP
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007816:Larva Migrans, Visceral / Q000150:complications* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000628:therapy; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors; D017166:Toxocara canis
Larva migrans viscérale de l'adulte avec manifestations pulmonaires sévères.