Globally, schistosomal infections affect over 200 million people resulting in the loss of 70 million disability-adjusted life years. In the sub-Saharan Africa region, where over 85% of the global schistosomal infections are found, it is estimated that about 120 million people become symptomatic, over 20 million have severe disease, and nearly 200 000 die every year. Renal impairment is a severe consequence of schistosomiasis occurring in about 6% of all infected individuals and in 15% of those with the hepatosplenic form. We present a case of massive bilateral hydroureteronephrosis and end-stage renal disease resulting from chronic schistosomiasis in a 38-year-old male of African origin. A 38-year-old male rice farmer of African origin presented with a history of elevated blood pressure, abdominal swelling, and reduced urinary output for about 10 months. Abdominal examination revealed an intraabdominal mass measuring 30 cm × 17 cm extending from the right hypochrondrium region downward to right inguinal outward to umbilicus crossing the midline. He had an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 3.9 mL/min, hemoglobin of 6.78 g/dL, and had multiple electrolyte abnormalities. A computed tomography intravenous urogram scan of the abdomen revealed hepatomegaly (18 cm), bilateral renal enlargement with hydroureteronephrosis, and multiple calcifications on the urinary bladder. A rectal biopsy isolated haematobium eggs and confirmed the diagnosis. Urinary schistosomiasis can have distressing effects on the urinary system in particular and survival prospects in general. In view of this, extensive evaluation of the genitourinary system is pivotal for timely diagnosis and prompt management particularly in residents of schistosoma-endemic communities presenting with obstructive uropathy.
Keywords: bilharzia; hydronephrosis; hydroureter; hydroureteronephrosis; neglected diseases; parasitic diseases; schistosomiasis; snail fever; tropical diseases.