Diagnostic Challenges of Female Genital Schistosomiasis: A Case Report from Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Female Genital Schistosomiasis is a neglected gynaecological complication of urogenital schistosomiasis that affects girls and women in sub-Sahara Africa. Female Genital Schistosomiasis has been known for centuries, yet its diagnosis and management are posing a great challenge to medical professionals. Case report: A case of a 27-year old woman being evaluated for recurrent ovarian cysts. Ultrasound examination revealed a thick-walled right adnexal cyst containing clear fluid measuring 5.2cm by 4.7cm. Histology report after right cystectomy showed a cyst wall lined by luteinized granulosa and theca cells and the cortex showed calcified oval to round structures suggestive of calcified schistosoma ova. She had a course of treatment with praziquantel tablets and made an uneventful recovery. Conclusion: This calls for vigilance as well as more studies on female genital schistosomiasis of the upper genital organs and exploration of indirect, non-invasive and syndromic diagnostic methods for female genital schistosomiasis of the upper genitalia at the point of care.