Urinary schistosomiasis presented as bladder malignancy with pulmonary metastases: a case report

Abstract

Schistosoma haematobium is the species primarily responsible for the manifestation of schistosomiasis in the genitourinary tract. It is a parasitic disease caused by flukes (trematodes) of the genus Schistosoma, which can result in acute and chronic manifestation. We report a case of urinary schistosomiasis that initially presented as advanced bladder cancer with pulmonary metastasis on initial computed tomography scan. Further investigations revealed no cancer and pulmonary changes resolved with treatment. The involvement of bladder is the hallmark of S. haematobium infection and it is unusual to have pulmonary manifestation without concurrent hepatosplenic disease. Within the lungs, deposition of Schistosoma eggs causes a granulomatous reaction, typically producing miliary nodules on chest radiographs. In our case, this was interpreted initially as lung metastases. However, given the cystoscopic findings and subsequent resolution with praziquantel, this was proved otherwise. This case highlights the importance of urinary cytology in the initial investigation of haematuria. Clinicians should be aware of such a potential differential diagnosis, especially in patients with prior travel history to endemic areas.