Learning objectives
The aim of this paper is to illustrate the imaging findings of the most common zoonoses met in our daily practice, focusing on their complications, unusual locations and malignant-like appearance.
Background
A parasite is an organism that lives in another organism at the host’s expense, causing harm and disease in the host itself. A large group of parasites have domestic animals as main host.
Zoonoses represent a group of disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans in natural conditions. In developed countries this kind of diseases are rare, but travelling to endemic areas or immigration has increased the number of patients in Western countries. Immunocompromised patients have a higher risk of developing these diseases...
Findings and procedure details
There has to be a high clinical suspicion for a zoonosis in a patient presenting with nonspecific symptoms, because it can mimic other conditions (such as infections by other agents, noninfectious inflammatory disorders or neoplasia). Imaging plays a crucial role in making the differential diagnosis, but the patient’s history of travelling or home residence, laboratory tests and follow-up after treatment all come together for a complete and correct diagnostic algorithm.
In the following we will review and summarize the radiological appearance of zoonoses, together with...
Conclusion
It is important for a radiologist to be familiar with typical and atypical findings of parasitic infestation or their complications for a fast diagnosis; an appropriate clinical management is essential for both, patient and physician.
Personal information and conflict of interest
M.-C. Craciunoiu; Cluj/RO - nothing to disclose S. M. Dudea; Cluj/RO - nothing to disclose M. A. Socaciu; Cluj/RO - nothing to disclose
References
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