The use of diagnostic ultrasound in schistosomiasis--attempts at standardization of methodology. Cairo Working Group

Abstract

This paper summarises the conclusions of a workshop held in Cairo in 1990 to discuss the standardization of the use of diagnostic ultrasound in schistosomiasis. For epidemiological purposes, it is very important that ultrasound examinations should be carried out and recorded in a standardized way, in order to ensure that results obtained in different places and at different times can be compared. The workshop did not attempt to produce final recommendations, but it did make tentative proposals in a form suitable for field testing. The paper discusses the general problems involved in carrying out and recording ultrasound examinations in a standardized way. The special points involved in assessing lesions due to the three main forms of schistosomiasis are then considered in detail. Methodology that can be used in epidemiological work with large numbers of people is emphasised.