Intestinal schistosomiasis japonica: CT-pathologic correlation.

PURPOSE

To study the pathologic basis of intestinal wall calcification caused by Schistosoma japonicum visualized with computed tomography (CT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve patients underwent CT of the abdomen to detect what pathologic examination proved to be schistosomiasis japonica. Eight intestinal specimens from five of the patients were subjected to radiography, and the pathologic and radiographic findings were correlated.

RESULTS

CT demonstrated curvilinear or nodular calcification in the colon in 11 patients, in the appendix in two, and in the distal ileum in one. In five patients, calcifications resembling tram tracks were found in the sigmoid colon. Pathologic examination of the specimens showed calcified eggs of S japonicum deposited more extensively in the submucosa and subserosa than in the muscularis propria, which led to the tram-track appearance.

CONCLUSION

The extensive curvilinear or tram-track calcification found in the colon in patients with schistosomiasis japonica is calcification of deposited eggs.