[Paragonimiasis westermani with repeated pleural effusion and diagnosed by detecting parasite eggs in pleural effusion].

ABSTRACT

A 73-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of left chest pain, left pleural effusion and peripheral blood eosinophilia. After three months, left pleural effusion resolved without treatment and the etiology remained unclarified. Three years later, he was admitted for evaluation of right pleural effusion. Peripheral blood eosinophil count and serum IgE value were elevated. Eosinophilia was also observed in the pleural effusion. The diagnosis of paragonimiasis westermani was confirmed by immunoserological examination of the serum and by detection of Paragonimius eggs in the pleural effusion. Two cycles of treatment with praziquantel were effective in this case. When a patient has repeated pleural effusion, paragonimiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis.