Ultrasonographic evidence of abnormal lymphatic vessels in young men with adult Wuchereria bancrofti infection in the scrotal area

J Urol. 1996 Aug;156(2 Pt 1):409-12. doi: 10.1097/00005392-199608000-00019.

Abstract

Purpose: We determined the prevalence and magnitude of dilatation of the lymphatic vessels of the spermatic cord in men infected with Wuchereria bancrofti, which is known major cause of hydrocele in the tropics.

Materials and methods: Scrotal ultrasound was performed with a 7.5 MHz, transducer in 78 men from Recife, Brazil (endemic for filariasis) and in 15 from a nonendemic area.

Results: Among men from Recife the lymphatic vessels were dilated (1.3 to 15.0 mm., mean 3.8) at the location of the adult worm. Vessel diameter was not associated with hydrocele.

Conclusions: Lymphatic dilation was observed in all men with ultrasonographically detectable W. bancrofti infection, even those who were asymptomatic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Filariasis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Filariasis / epidemiology*
  • Genital Diseases, Male / diagnostic imaging
  • Genital Diseases, Male / epidemiology
  • Genital Diseases, Male / parasitology
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic System / diagnostic imaging*
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Scrotum / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography
  • Wuchereria bancrofti*