Clinical and preclinical imaging of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis.

Brice Masi (1, 2) , Teodora-Adriana Perles-Barbacaru (1, 2) , Monique Bernard (1, 2) , Angèle Viola (1, 2)

1 CRMBM - Centre de résonance magnétique biologique et médicale
2 AMU - Aix Marseille Université

Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, is a major cause of chronic morbidity and disability, and premature death. The hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis is characterized by hepatosplenomegaly, liver fibrosis, portal hypertension and oesophageal varices, whose rupture may cause bleeding and death. We review currently available abdominal imaging modalities and describe their basic principles, strengths, weaknesses, and usefulness in the assessment of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. Advanced imaging methods are presented that could be of interest for hepatosplenic schistosomiasis evaluation by yielding morphological, functional and molecular parameters of disease progression. We also provide a comprehensive view of preclinical imaging studies and current research objectives such as parasite visualisation in hosts, follow-up of host-immune response, and development of non-invasive quantitative methods for liver fibrosis assessment. 

Keywords: hepatosplenic schistosomiasis; liver fibrosis; portal hypertension; clinical imaging; preclinical imaging; quantitative imaging methods

Domains: Life Sciences [q-bio]; Bioengineering; Imaging; Life Sciences [q-bio]; Microbiology and Parasitology; Parasitology

Brice Masi, Teodora-Adriana Perles-Barbacaru, Monique Bernard, Angèle Viola. Clinical and preclinical imaging of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis.. Trends in Parasitology, 2020, 36 (2), pp.206-226. ⟨10.1016/j.pt.2019.11.007⟩. ⟨hal-02412606⟩