American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 161, 323-327, Copyright © 1993 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Schistosomiasis japonica of the liver: contrast-enhanced CT findings in 113 patients
S Monzawa, G Uchiyama, K Ohtomo and T Araki
Department of Radiology, Yamanashi Medical College, Japan.
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine the findings on
contrast-enhanced CT scans in patients with hepatic schistosomiasis
japonica and to determine their pathologic basis. MATERIALS AND METHODS.
Unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT scans of 113 patients with
histologically proved schistosomiasis were reviewed. Radiologic and
pathologic findings were correlated after autopsy in 19 patients. RESULTS.
Unenhanced CT scans showed septal calcification in the liver parenchyma in
53 patients (47%) and capsular calcification along the hepatic surface in
29 patients (26%). Twenty-seven patients (24%) had both types of
calcification. Fifty-four patients (48%) showed one or more types of
enhancement. Septal enhancement (i.e., linear enhancement of hepatic
parenchyma looking like septa in the liver) was seen in 52 patients (46%).
Forty-seven of the 53 patients who had septal calcification on unenhanced
CT scans had septal enhancement on scans obtained after the administration
of contrast material. The enhancement was found at sites of septal
calcification in 44 patients and at noncalcified sites in 18 (15 had
enhancement at both calcified and noncalcified sites). Five of 60 patients
who did not have septal calcification on unenhanced CT scans had septal
enhancement at noncalcified sites on scans obtained after the
administration of contrast material. Amorphous enhancement (i.e., poorly
defined and irregularly shaped enhancement) was seen in six patients (5%).
Capsular enhancement (i.e., curvilinear enhancement along the hepatic
surface) was seen in 12 patients (11%). Histologic studies showed broad
fibrous septa at sites of septal enhancement. CONCLUSION. CT findings in
patients with schistosomiasis japonica involving the liver include septal,
amorphous, and capsular contrast enhancement. Septal enhancement occurs in
broad fibrous septa. CT evidence of septal enhancement may suggest the
diagnosis of hepatic schistosomiasis japonica, especially when no
calcification is seen on unenhanced CT scans.