Descending urogram in the evaluation of the complications of urinary schistosomiasis

Fifty patients with a diagnosis of urinary schistosomiasis who had been assisted at the "Maria Pia" and "Americo Boavida" Hospitals, Luanda, Popular Republic of Angola, were studied. They underwent urine parasitology, cystoscopy and descending urography. Comparative studies between radiographic findings and global results of cystoscopies and urine parasitology were conducted. A higher incidence between the second and the third life decades was evidenced. 78% of patients had vesical calcifications; 72%, urethritis; 40%, ureterohydronephrosis; 4%, excluded kidneys; 4%, vesical cancer; and 2%, lithiasis. Altered descending urograms were obtained in 94% of patients. Positive urine parasitology involved 18% of patients. Cystoscopy was positive in 100% of patients. It is concluded that the cystoscopic study is highly important in diagnosing the disease and its complications.