[Myeloradiculitis due to Schistosoma haematobium: about an observation in Dakar (Senegal)]

Bull Soc Pathol Exot. 2016 May;109(2):77-9. doi: 10.1007/s13149-016-0479-4. Epub 2016 Mar 2.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Nervous localisations of schistosomiasis are rare. We report the case of a 25 year-old Senegalese patient admitted for a progressive myeloradiculitis onset, over a one week period. The diagnosis of Schistosoma haematobium myeloradiculitis was made in front of a positive serum serology for S. haematobium, presence of S. haematobium eggs in urine, hyperproteinorachia, endemicity of S. haematobium in the region where the patient was originating and a past medical history of macroscopic hematuria in a context of river bathing. There was also no arguments for another cause to these neurological manifestations. Our patient was treated with praziquantel, prednisone and physiotherapy. Evolution was marked 6 weeks after the beginning of treatment by a significant improvement of motor deficit, enabling the patient to walk again. There was also a regression of genitosphincter dysfunction. Work-up for patients presenting with paraplegia in tropical countries, should also include search for S. heamatobium infection.

Keywords: Clinics; Dakar; Diagnostic; Hospital; Kaffrine; Myeloradiculitis; Schistosoma haematobium; Senegal; Sub-Saharan Africa; Therapeutic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuroschistosomiasis / drug therapy
  • Neuroschistosomiasis / pathology*
  • Neuroschistosomiasis / rehabilitation
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Praziquantel / administration & dosage
  • Prednisone / administration & dosage
  • Schistosoma haematobium / isolation & purification
  • Schistosoma haematobium / physiology*
  • Schistosomiasis haematobia / complications
  • Schistosomiasis haematobia / drug therapy
  • Schistosomiasis haematobia / pathology*
  • Schistosomiasis haematobia / rehabilitation
  • Senegal

Substances

  • Praziquantel
  • Prednisone