BACKGROUND: Schistosomal infections of the female reproductive tract are common in countries where the parasite is endemic. Serious complications, such as ectopic pregnancy and infertility, may arise in patients with gynecologic schistosomiasis. CASE: A primiparous, African woman presented with vaginal bleeding and was found to have an ectopic pregnancy. Laparoscopy revealed distorted pelvic anatomy due to dense adhesions. Pathologic examination confirmed an ectopic pregnancy and identified Schistosoma haematobium ova in the patient's fallopian tube. Urine examination was confirmatory, and the patient was treated and referred for fertility counseling. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should consider schistosomiasis as a possible etiology for gynecologic complaints, including serious complications such as ectopic pregnancy and infertility, in patients from endemic regions.
BACKGROUND: Schistosomal infections of the female reproductive tract are common in countries where the parasite is endemic. Serious complications, such as ectopic pregnancy and infertility, may arise in patients with gynecologic schistosomiasis. CASE: A primiparous, African woman presented with vaginal bleeding and was found to have an ectopic pregnancy. Laparoscopy revealed distorted pelvic anatomy due to dense adhesions. Pathologic examination confirmed an ectopic pregnancy and identified Schistosoma haematobium ova in the patient's fallopian tube. Urine examination was confirmatory, and the patient was treated and referred for fertility counseling. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should consider schistosomiasis as a possible etiology for gynecologic complaints, including serious complications such as ectopic pregnancy and infertility, in patients from endemic regions.
Authors: Sarah C Miller-Fellows; Laura Howard; Rebekah Kramer; Vanessa Hildebrand; Jennifer Furin; Francis M Mutuku; Dunstan Mukoko; Julianne A Ivy; Charles H King Journal: PLoS Negl Trop Dis Date: 2017-11-27