Genitourinary schistosomiasis: life cycle and radiologic-pathologic findings

Area of Science:

• Medical Parasitology
• Tropical Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Genitourinary schistosomiasis is caused by Schistosoma haematobium, a parasite endemic in Africa and the Middle East.
• It affects the bladder, ureters, kidneys, and genital organs, causing significant morbidity and mortality.
• The parasite can also be found in other regions due to travel and immigration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical manifestations and radiologic features of genitourinary schistosomiasis.
• To highlight diagnostic methods for early and late-stage infections.
• To emphasize the association between chronic schistosomiasis and bladder cancer.

Main Methods:

• Microscopic urinalysis for parasite ova detection.
• Radiologic imaging, including abdominopelvic radiographs, CT scans, and urography.
• Clinical assessment of symptoms like hematuria, dysuria, and hemospermia.

Main Results:

• Early signs include hematuria, dysuria, and hemospermia within 3 months of infection.
• Pathognomonic imaging findings for early stages include fine ureteral calcifications.
• Late-stage signs involve coarse calcification, fibrosis, strictures, and potential bladder cancer predisposition.

Conclusions:

• Genitourinary schistosomiasis diagnosis is confirmed by microscopic urinalysis and supported by imaging.
• Radiologic findings are crucial for differentiating early and chronic stages of the disease.
• Chronic Schistosoma haematobium infection increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma in the bladder.