A case of sparganosis that presented as a recurrent pericardial effusion.

Abstract

Sparganosis is caused by a larval tapeworm of the genus Spirometra, which commonly invades subcutaneous tissue, but less frequently invades muscle, intestines, spinal cord, and the peritoneopleural cavity. The authors managed a female patient who presented with a recurrent pericardiopleural effusion and peripheral eosinophilia. The anti-sparganum-specific IgG serum level was significantly higher than normal control levels. In this patient, sparganosis was caused by the ingestion of raw frogs in an effort to control her thyroid disease. The recurrent pericardiopleural effusion and peripheral eosinophilia were controlled by 3 consecutive doses of praziquantel (75 mg/kg/day). The patient is doing well 4 years after presentation. Sparganosis should be considered a rare, but possible cause of recurrent pericardial effusion and peripheral eosinophilia. Immunoserologic testing using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays can be helpful in diagnosing human sparganosis, especially in cases without a subcutaneous lump or mass. Praziquantel is an alternative treatment for sparganosis in surgically-unresectable cases.

• Authors: Ju-Hee Lee, Gi-Hyun Kim, Sang Min Kim, Sang Yeub Lee, Won-Yik Lee, Jang-Whan Bae, Kyung-Sub Shin, Kyung-Kuk Hwang, Dong-Won Kim, Myeong-Chan Cho
• Journal: Korean circulation journal (Korean Circ J) Vol. 41 Issue 1 Pg. 38-42 (Jan 2011) ISSN: 1738-5555 [Electronic] Korea (South)
• PMID: 21359068 (Publication Type: Journal Article)