[The manifestations and clinical significance of chest CT in paragonimiasis at different clinical phases].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the chest CT manifestations of paragonimiasis at different clinical phases.


METHODS
Forty-eight cases of paragonimiasis confirmed by laboratory studies were retrospectively analyzed. There were 30 males and e18 females ageing 9 - 66 years (average, 31.4 years). Conventional chest CT was performed in all cases and contrast enhanced CT in some cases.


RESULTS
The chest CT findings of paragonimiasis included: (1) peribronchial inflammation (n = 9); (2) infiltration (n = 13), manifested as unilateral or bilateral patchy infiltrates with hazy borders. The location and shape were variable. The typical "canal gas-path" sign was seen in a few patients; (3) nodular and masses (n = 11); (4) cysts and cavity (n = 6); (5) pleural effusion (n = 9). The CT appearances of paragonimiasis were different at different clinical phases. Peribronchial inflammation, infiltration and pleural effusion were early presentations, not distinguishable from other common infections. The appearance of nodules, masses, cysts and cavities was more common in the clinical course. At the stabilization phase, nodular cavity or pleura thickening and calcification were revealed.


CONCLUSIONS
There are various abnormalities on chest CT at different phases of paragonimiasis. Combination of clinical manifestations with chest CT characteristics is important in the diagnosis of paragonimiasis.
Zhu
Xiao-hua
XH
Department of Radiology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
You
Zheng-qian
ZQ
Ma
Jun
J
Jang
Sheng
S
Pen
Gang
G
Yu
Dong
D
Sun
Chun-yi
CY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010237:Paragonimiasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D055815:Young Adult