Female genital schistosomiasis mimicking an ovarian neoplasm: A case report

Parasitol Int. 2024 Mar 5:101:102878. doi: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102878. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Objective: A case description of a rare occurrence of female genital schistosomiasis affecting the upper genital tract that presented with features mimicking an ovarian neoplasm.

Case report: Female genital schistosomiasis is a neglected clinical manifestation of the water-born parasitic disease which occurs due to the presence of schistosome eggs in the genitalia of women. A 23-year-old nulliparous woman presented with progressive abdominal distension. An abdominopelvic CT scan revealed a multilobulated right adnexal mass with gross ascites. Diagnosis of schistosomiasis was made by histology of biopsied specimens following laparotomy. Cervical colposcopic findings were consistent with female genital schistosomiasis. She was successfully treated with praziquantel.

Conclusion: Female genital schistosomiasis of the upper genital tract can mimic an ovarian malignancy. Hence there is a need for its consideration as a differential diagnosis in patients with non-classical presentations of pelvic tumours in schistosomiasis-endemic areas.

Keywords: Female genital schistosomiasis; Genital; Nigeria; Ovarian neoplasm; Schistosomiasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports