Role of imaging in the diagnosis and management of parasitic infections.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article reviews the imaging findings of common parasitic infections of the lung with a focus on the radiographic and computed tomography (CT) appearances in the context of the life cycle and pathophysiology of each organism.

RECENT FINDINGS: Parasitic infections are often confused for more common diseases of the lung including community acquired pneumonia or malignancy. With increasing global travel and ecotourism, occasional outbreaks of new parasitic infections, and varying times to onset of symptoms, these diseases can present anywhere. With increasing use of lung CT, more information is now known about the imaging findings in parasitic diseases and subtle clues that are often present and can help distinguish them from their more common mimickers.

SUMMARY: This review summarizes the imaging appearances of common parasitic lung infections based on current literature.