Schistosomiasis and Presinusoidal Portal Hypertension

Figure 1 A 36-year-old Angolese man was examined because of portal hypertension of unknown origin. Physical examination revealed marked splenomegaly. Serological testing for schistosome infection was positive (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] 1 : 256). A laparoscopy was performed, and both right and left liver lobes showed a pattern of diffuse and irregular white bands, suggesting fibrosis.

Figure 2 Microscopical examination of a liver biopsy showed periportal fibrosis and a schistosome egg was detected with a granulomatous reaction. Treatment with a single dose of praziquantel was given.