Portal Doppler ultrasound evaluation in myelitis by Schistosoma mansoni

Abstract

The mechanism for development of schistosomal myelitis has not yet been completely understood. Few publications have tried to establish a link between the general clinical presentation of the illness and its neurological manifestations. Objective: To evaluated the portal blood flow in patients with schistosomal myelitis and controls. Method: Forty-three individuals were evaluated using portal Doppler ultrasound. Group I consisted of 13 patients with the spinal form of schistosomiasis. Group II included 10 patients with intestinal and hepatointestinal forms of schistosomiasis, but no neurological symptoms; while group III involved 20 healthy controls. Results: Portal venous speed and portal venous flow were significantly elevated in group I (p<0.001) compared with the others. Conclusion: Doppler ultrasound demonstrated a situation of high flow within the portal venous system of patients with schistosomal myelitis.