Ultrasonographic Urinary Tract Abnormalities in Schistosoma Haematobium Infection

Objective: Evaluation of ultrasonographic abnormalities with active Schistosoma haematobium infection in Yemeni patients.

Methods: As part of a cooperation between a private hospital and Schistosomiasis Control Project in Yemen, laboratory and ultrasonographic examinations were performed in 158 patients (8 females, 150 males, mean age: 17 years) with active Schistosoma haematobium infection. Upper urinary tract dilation, lower ureter changes and bladder wall abnormalities (thickness, hyperechogenicity and polypoid lesions) were registered. Laboratory findings and ultrasonographic changes were evaluated and assorted according to age groups of the patients.

Results: Twenty-eight patients (18%) showed no ultrasonographic morphological lesion. Bladder abnormalities (thickness, hyperechogenicity and polypoid lesions) were found in 130 patients (82%) and upper tract lesions in 86 patients (54%). No upper tract lesions were seen without bladder abnormality. Polyps within the lower ureteric lumen occurred in four patients. In patients with polypoid lesions, higher incidence of severe infection was found. One patient had urinary bladder mass.

Conclusion: Urinary schistosomiasis has typical sonographic features, however, it may occur also without ultrasonographic morphological lesion. Upper tract lesions seem to develop only with lower tract abnormalities.