Autopsy and Case Reports
https://www.autopsyandcasereports.org/article/doi/10.4322/acr.2015.003
Autopsy and Case Reports
Article / Clinical Case Report

An interesting finding in the uterine cervix: calcified eggs

Alexia Toller; Ana Carolina Scopin; Vanessa Apfel; Karla Calaça Kabbach Prigenzi; Fernanda Kesselring Tso; Gustavo Rubino de Azevedo Focchi; Neila Speck; Julisa Ribalta

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Abstract

Schistosoma hematobium infection is an endemic parasitic disease in Africa, which is frequently associated with urinary schistosomiasis. The parasite infection causes epithelial changes and disruption, facilitating the infection by the human papilloma virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The authors report the case of a 44-year-old African HIV-positive woman who presented an abnormal routine Pap smear. Colposcopy examination revealed dense acetowhite micropapillary epithelium covering the ectocervix, iodine-negative, an erosion area in endocervical canal, and atypical vessels. Histologic examination of the surgical specimens showed numerous calcified schistosome eggs (probably S. hematobium) and a high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

The relation between S. hematobium infection and bladder cancer is well known; however, this relationship with cervical cancer remains controversial. The symptoms of schistosomiasis of the female genital tract are rather non-specific, and are often misdiagnosed with other pelvic diseases. The familiarity of health professionals with schistosomiasis of the female genital tract is less than expected, even in endemic regions. Therefore, great awareness of this differential diagnosis in routine gynecological practice is of paramount importance.

 

Keywords

Schistosoma hematobium, Genital Diseases, Female, Schistosomiasis hematobia, HIV

References

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Publication date:
01/12/2016

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