Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Education and training, Education, Ultrasound, MR, CT, Urinary Tract / Bladder, Gastrointestinal tract, Abdomen
Authors:
J. A. Abreu, M. D. Torres Guzmán, D. Aguirre; Bogota/CO
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2018/C-2974
Conclusion
In summary,
we have reviewed the imaging manifestations of some of the most prevalent tropical diseases in the abdomen,
including helminthic infections,
amebiasis,
malaria and some viral infections.
It is very important for us as radiologists to be aware of these neglected diseases and their imaging manifestations,
as we play a critical role in the initial diagnosis and management of their complications.
Several key points can be highlighted,
though:
- Tropical diseases have a global importance and include a variety of infections with different etiologies.
- Parasitic infestations have a worldwide distribution and affect hundreds of millions of individuals,
causing significant morbidity and mortality.
- Radiology plays a critical role in diagnosis & treatment
- Radiologists should be familiar with their imaging features as well as their epidemiologic,
clinical and physiopathologic characteristics to play an active role in the formulation of differential diagnoses.
- Diagnosis is particularly important in children,
marginalized communities,
immigrants,
and in preparation for or after traveling to endemic areas.