Bladder stones in a closed diverticulum caused by Schistosoma mansoni: A case report

Background: Genitourinary (GU) schistosomiasis is a chronic infection caused by a parasitic trematode, with Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) being the prevalent species. The disease has a variable prevalence around the world, with a greater burden on, but not limited to Africa, South America, Asia, and the Middle East.

Case summary: We report the case of a 30-year-old man who presented with symptoms of bladder stones. During endoscopic cystolithalopaxy, we did not detect any stones in the bladder. Upon careful scanning of the urinary bladder trigone, sandy patches were detected. We performed endoscopic resection, which revealed a closed diverticulum with bladder stones. The diverticular wall was sent for histopathology and revealed features of chronic granulomatous inflammation with numerous embedded Schistosoma eggs, with some of the eggs having lateral spines. The patient was treated with praziquantel, and his symptoms completely resolved.

Conclusion: GU schistosomiasis is primarily caused by S. haematobium. However, Schistosoma mansoni mediated GU schistosomiasis is unusual, making this a quite interesting case.