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Cerebral atrophy: a schistosomiasis manifestation?
Summary
Chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection is linked to brain damage. Computerized tomography (CT) scans revealed cerebral atrophy in a significant number of patients with this parasitic disease.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Preliminary sonography suggested a link between chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection and brain abnormalities.
- Observed abnormalities included reduced brain mantle index and dilated ventricles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm earlier sonographic findings using computerized tomography (CT).
- To quantify the extent of cerebral atrophy in patients with chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection.
Main Methods:
- Utilized CT scans to examine the brains of 25 patients with chronic S. mansoni infection.
- Compared brain scans of infected patients with 10 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- CT scans revealed mild to moderate cortical atrophy in 36% of patients.
- Central atrophy was observed in 12% of patients.
- No significant abnormalities were found in control subjects.
Conclusions:
- This CT-documented study provides the first significant evidence correlating chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection with cerebral atrophy.
- The findings highlight potential neurological complications of S. mansoni infection.