Scholarlink

Background <p><i>Paragonimus heterotremus</i> is a parasitic flatworm endemic to Southeast Asia that causes pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections. While more common in adults, pediatric cases are rare and often present atypically, posing diagnostic challenges. Eosinophilic granulomatous inflammation due to parasitic infection is especially difficult to identify in children.</p> Case presentation <p>A 9-year-old female child initially exhibited subcutaneous swelling and notable peripheral blood eosinophilia, resulting in two hospital stays without a conclusive diagnosis. Upon admission to our center, laboratory results showed increased white blood cell count, hemoglobin, platelets, and persistent eosinophilia, along with a significantly increased total IgE levels. Imaging revealed granulomatous inflammation in the skin and lungs with mild pleural effusion. Despite negative parasitic serology, a newly developed umbilical mass during hospitalization was surgically excised. Anatomopathological examination and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) supported a probable diagnosis of <i>P. heterotremus</i> infection.</p> Conclusions <p>This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of pediatric eosinophilic granulomatous inflammation due to rare parasitic infections, particularly in non-endemic areas. It highlights the need for heightened clinical awareness, thorough evaluation, and advanced diagnostic tools for timely and accurate identification of uncommon parasitic diseases in children.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Eosinophilic granulomatous inflammation and multi-organ involvement probable caused by Paragonimus heterotremus infection in a pediatric patient: a rare case report

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月17日

查看全文
  • Fangxuan Yang,
  • Youwei Du,
  • Jingzhi Ji,
  • Pingping Zhang

摘要

Background

Paragonimus heterotremus is a parasitic flatworm endemic to Southeast Asia that causes pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections. While more common in adults, pediatric cases are rare and often present atypically, posing diagnostic challenges. Eosinophilic granulomatous inflammation due to parasitic infection is especially difficult to identify in children.

Case presentation

A 9-year-old female child initially exhibited subcutaneous swelling and notable peripheral blood eosinophilia, resulting in two hospital stays without a conclusive diagnosis. Upon admission to our center, laboratory results showed increased white blood cell count, hemoglobin, platelets, and persistent eosinophilia, along with a significantly increased total IgE levels. Imaging revealed granulomatous inflammation in the skin and lungs with mild pleural effusion. Despite negative parasitic serology, a newly developed umbilical mass during hospitalization was surgically excised. Anatomopathological examination and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) supported a probable diagnosis of P. heterotremus infection.

Conclusions

This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of pediatric eosinophilic granulomatous inflammation due to rare parasitic infections, particularly in non-endemic areas. It highlights the need for heightened clinical awareness, thorough evaluation, and advanced diagnostic tools for timely and accurate identification of uncommon parasitic diseases in children.