Radiological Findings in Imported Schistosomiasis at an International Health Unit in Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma. It is classified as a neglected tropical disease by the WHO and has the second highest morbidity of a parasitic disease after malaria. Our objective with this study was to describe radiological findings in patients diagnosed with imported schistosomiasis among migrants and international travelers seen at an international health unit. This is a descriptive, observational, single-center, retrospective study conducted at the International Health Unit, Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, in which we analyze the radiological findings in patients diagnosed with schistosomiasis. Among the 671 individuals treated for schistosomiasis between 2014 and 2022, 132 (19.7%) underwent a radiological test, 39 (29.5%) were diagnosed with confirmed urinary schistosomiasis, 25 (18.9%) were diagnosed with intestinal schistosomiasis, and 68 (51.5%) were classified as probable cases (positive serology). In all cases, an abdominal ultrasound was performed, and eight patients (6%) also underwent an abdominal computed tomography scan. Abnormalities were found in 19 (14.4%) patients, with the most frequent findings being splenomegaly (nine cases) and bladder wall thickening (five cases). Radiological tests, especially ultrasounds, are highly useful in assessing the severity of the disease and identifying associated lesions.