Turtleback liver on CT and ultrasound: Schistosoma japonica revisited

Sonographic appearance of extensive hepatic arterial calcification mimicking pneumobilia

Pneumobilia appears sonographically as intrahepatic linear echogenic regions that often produce distal acoustic shadowing. We present a case in which extensive hepatic arterial calcification mimicked the sonographic appearance of pneumobilia. In the appropriate clinical setting, extensive hepatic arterial calcification should be considered when intrahepatic linear echogenic regions are found sonographically.

Morbidity due to schistosomiasis japonica in the People's Republic of China

Transmission and morbidity induced by Schistosoma japonicum were evaluated in 825 individuals undergoing periodic treatment with praziquantel on Jishan island, Jiangxi Providence, in the People's Republic of China. Eggs of S. japonicum were found in the stools of 39.4% of the population; 70% of those infected were less than 20 years of age. Hepatomegaly greater than 3 cm in the midsternal line was detected by physical examination and ultrasonography in 75% and 90% of individuals, respectively, regardless of infection status. Symmer's clay pipe-stem fibrosis of the liver was detected by ultrasonography in 20% of all individuals. Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody to hepatitis C were found in 11% and less than 1% of the population, respectively. Our study suggests that, despite intermittent chemotherapy, morbidity due to S. japonicum is still a significant problem in China.