IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Schistosomiasis of liver

Case contributed by Robert Peck
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Jaundice and abnormal liver tests

Patient Data

Gender: Male
ultrasound

There is obvious peri-portal fibrosis on ultrasound, also called "pipe-stem" fibrosis. A mosaic pattern, with echogenic septa outlining polygonal areas of relatively normal liver parenchyma that vary in size.

The ultrasound appearance directly replicates the pathological findings.

ct

CT shows caput medusa, secondary to portal hypertension.

Case Discussion

Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is caused by a parasitic worm - schistosoma. It predominantly affects urinary and liver systems. It affects over 200 million people worldwide, and is said to be second to malaria in economic impact. 

Schistosoma japonicum, S hematobium, and S mansoni are the three most important species that infect humans. The schistosomes live in the bowel lumen and lay eggs in the mesenteric veins. The eggs may then embolize to the portal vein, where they cause an inflammatory reaction with a granulomatous response, eventual fibrosis, and presinusoidal hypertension. The eggs themselves do not survive and may subsequently calcify.

Chronic infection with either S japonicum or S mansoni result in the formation of cirrhosis and the risk of development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The diagnosis is based on epidemiologic data, clinical manifestations, eosinophilia, the presence of living eggs at stool examination, or positive serologic findings for Schistosoma infection. At histologic analysis, mild hepatic schistosomiasis is characterized by white, pinhead-sized granulomas scattered throughout the liver. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.