Sonographic assessment of the effect of praziquantel therapy on liver echotexture and diameters of the portal and splenic veins in patients with schistosomiasis

Purpose To assess the effect of praziquantel (PZQ) treatment on liver echotexture and diameters of the portal and splenic veins. Materials and methods This was a prospective study involving 86 known cases of schistosomiasis; these cases were examined via gray-scale sonography in 3-month intervals for a period of 6 months. The patients were categorized into two groups based on whether or not they were treated with PZQ. The liver, spleen, main portal vein (PV), and splenic vein (SV) were evaluated sonographically using 3.5-curvilinear transducers, according to a standard abdominal ultrasound protocol. Results The liver echotexture and size were significantly recovered in patients who received PZQ therapy compared to those who did not use the drug (p-values