Value of ultrasonography in investigating morbidity due to Schistosoma haematobium infection.

In an area where urinary schistosomiasis was endemic 349 patients were examined by ultrasonography. To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of this technique, intravenous pyelography and cystoscopies were also done on 29 and 31 patients, respectively. Ultrasonography compared favourably with pyelography and cystoscopy except in demonstrating bladder calcifications. It was a valuable tool for rapid mass detection of Schistosoma haematobium related morbidity. Major renal congestion and irregularity of the bladder wall as seen on ultrasonography correlated strongly with the prevalence and the intensity of S haematobium infection as well as with microhaematuria and proteinuria, thus indicating the usefulness of urine dip sticks for S haematobium case-finding, especially during attempts at morbidity control in endemic areas.