Multisystem imaging review of human schistosomiasis: characteristic imaging findings

• Published in: Clinical imaging 2019-03, Vol.54, p.163-171
• Main Authors: Nepal, Pankaj, Ojili, Vijayanadh, Songmen, Swachchhanda, Batchala, Prem, Kumar, Devendra, Nagar, Arpit M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bladder; Calcification; Central nervous system; Chronic illnesses; Dermatitis; Diagnosis, Differential; Diagnostic Imaging; Edema; Eggs; Humans; Imaging; Imaging review; Immigration; Infections; Liver cirrhosis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Medical imaging; Medical personnel; Mollusks; Morbidity; Multisystem; Organs; Parasites; Parasitic diseases; Physicians; Pulmonary hypertension; Schistosomiasis; Schistosomiasis - diagnosis; Skin; Spinal cord; Target recognition; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods; Tropical diseases; Ultrasonic imaging; Ultrasonography - methods; Urine; Urogenital system; Veins & arteries
• ISSN: 0899-7071; 1873-4499
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2019.01.011

Human schistosomiasis is one of the major tropical/subtropical parasitic diseases with significant morbidity and mortality. Although, the majority of the cases are seen within the endemic region, upsurge in recent immigration as well as frequent travel to endemic areas allows cases reported worldwide. Thus, it is important for radiologists and physicians be familiarized with the imaging features of schistosomiasis. Human schistosomiasis affects multiple target organs among which hepatosplenic, gastrointestinal and genitourinary organs are common. Rarely does it also affect pulmonary, central nervous system, testes etc. This article presents a comprehensive review of the characteristic imaging findings of schistosomiasis involving multiple target organs. The typical imaging findings are thoroughly correlated with the pathophysiology of parasite in human body. In addition, we have emphasized the key learning points to differentiate it from close differentials. •Human schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease with multi-organ involvement, thus carries significant morbidity and mortality.•Due to emerging immigration and travel to endemic areas, this disease is being reported all across the world.•Adequate knowledge of pathophysiology, geographic distribution and clinical presentations help in radiological diagnosis.