2016 Volume 38 Issue 6 Pages 521-525
Background. The diagnosis of pulmonary strongyloidiasis is difficult in areas of low prevalence. Case. A 50-year-old man visited our department due to abnormal chest shadow that had been incidentally found during a health check. Chest computed tomography revealed infiltration in the right upper lobe. Bronchoscopic biopsies were repeatedly performed but failed to provide a diagnosis. During the observational period, the size of the infiltration increased and migrated, with increased peripheral eosinophils and serum total IgE. Screening for serum anti-parasite antibodies revealed antibodies against Strongyloides. The ELISA findings for Strongyloides was also positive. Based on these results, he was diagnosed with pulmonary strongyloidiasis and was successfully treated with oral ivermectin. Conclusion. Even for cases without residential or travel histories in high prevalence areas, pulmonary parasitic disease should be considered in patients with wandering infiltrates, eosinophilia, and elevated serum IgE levels.
