The use of a Google search in the diagnosis of a rare condition.

BACKGROUND

This study aims to describe the use of the Internet in aiding the diagnosis of a rare lower urinary tract finding in a primiparous woman.

METHODS

A case of bladder schistosomiasis was reviewed.

RESULTS

After the referral from the obstetrics service with a bladder lesion noted on dating ultrasound, an asymptomatic primipara with 9 weeks of gestational age presented for cystoscopy. A polypoid lesion was noted, and suspected diagnosis of schistosomiasis was made using a Google image search. Urine cytologic evaluation confirmed the diagnosis, and the patient was treated without need for further invasive testing or bladder biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

The usefulness of Internet searches and other electronic resources should be appreciated in the diagnosis of rare conditions.