Diana Pou

: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma. It is classified as a neglected tropical disease by the WHO and has the second highest morbidity of a parasitic disease after malaria. Our objective with this study was to describe radiological findings in patients diagnosed with imported schistosomiasis among migrants and international travelers seen at an international health unit. This is a descriptive, observational, single-center, retrospective study conducted at the International Health Unit, Vall d’Hebron-Drassanes, in which we analyze the radiological findings in patients diagnosed with schistosomiasis. Among the 671 individuals treated for schistosomiasis between 2014 and 2022, 132 (19.7%) underwent a radiological test, 39 (29.5%) were diagnosed with confirmed urinary schistosomiasis, 25 (18.9%) were diagnosed with intestinal schistosomiasis, and 68 (51.5%) were classified as probable cases (positive serology). In all cases, an abdominal ultrasound was performed, and eight patients (6%) also underwent an abdominal computed tomography scan. Abnormalities were found in 19 (14.4%) patients, with the most frequent findings being splenomegaly (nine cases) and bladder wall thickening (five cases). Radiological tests, especially ultrasounds, are highly useful in assessing the severity of the disease and identifying associated lesions.

: Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a clinical syndrome typically found in tropical and subtropical regions. The objective of the study is to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics of patients with CLM acquired during international travel. This retrospective observational study analyzes CLM cases treated at an international health unit in Spain. Sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment-related data were collected. Overall, 107 cases were diagnosed, 63 (58.9%) of them in women, with a mean age of 32.6 years. Most frequent geographic regions of CLM acquisition were Southeast Asia (38 cases, 35.5%) and South America (28, 26.2%). Patients had a median of one skin lesion (range 1–11) located mainly in the lower extremities (83, 77.6%). Treatment was administered in 105 cases (98.1%), with albendazole used in 88 (83.8%), ivermectin in nine (8.6%), mebendazole in six (5.7%), and two cases lacking drug information (1.9%). Among treated cases, clinical resolution was achieved in 88 (83.8%) patients. Symptoms persisted in 17 (16.2%) cases, and recurrence was observed in 14 (13.3%) cases. A total of 26 (24.8%) patients required re-treatment with either albendazole or ivermectin (61.5% and 38.5%, respectively). The resolution rates for ivermectin, albendazole, and mebendazole were 88.9%, 88.6%, and 0.0%, respectively. CLM is a common syndrome in certain geographic regions and is more frequently diagnosed in international travelers. A thorough epidemiological assessment, along with a detailed medical history and physical examination, facilitates early diagnosis and treatment. Currently, ivermectin and albendazole appear to achieve the highest cure rates with lower recurrence rates.