The Pulmonary Manifestations of Schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma Japonicum

Harry B. Weinberg Medical and Roentgenological Services of the 133rd General Hospital

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Arthur J. Tillinghast Medical and Roentgenological Services of the 133rd General Hospital

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Summary and Conclusions

  1. (1) Two cases of acute schistosomiasis caused by S. japonicum are presented. Both showed prominent pulmonary manifestations. One patient died, apparently due to tartar emetic administered intravenously in treatment, and post-mortem examination was made.
  2. (2) The clinical manifestations of pulmonary involvement were cough with expectoration of scant mucoid sputum, chest pain, and scattered rales of no fixed type.
  3. (3) The roentgenographic appearance was that of a miliary tuberculosis. In the patient who recovered there was relatively rapid and almost complete clearance during the period of observation.
  4. (4) Pathologically the lung examined at autopsy was studded throughout with pseudo-tubercles, each about a schistosomal ovum as a nidus. In addition a large amount of alveolar exudate, including cellular elements, was present.
  5. (5) It is suggested that the pulmonary manifestations seen in the first or “incubation” stage of this disease may actually be due to the localization of ova in these tissues.

Author Notes

Lt. Col., M.C., A.U.S., Davenport, Iowa.

Major, M.C., A.U.S., New York, N. Y.

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