Transthoraco-abdominal sonographic findings in patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate the thoraco-abdominal sonographic findings in dengue hemorrhagic fever and its usefulness in evaluating the severity of the disease. During the last outbreak of dengue fever in Al-Mukalla City capital of Hadhramout [Yemen], 70 patients with suspected dengue fever were referred to Dar Al-Shifa Medical Center between 1st February 2010 to 30th June 2010. All the referred patients had transthoraco-abdmoinal sonography done by a consultant radiologist. The diagnosis of dengue fever was continued by ELISA test for Ig M and Ig G in 50 out of the 70 patients. The sonographic features detected in patients with positive serology tests for DF included, a thickened gallbladder wall in 49 patients [98%], ascites in 46 patients [91%], Right pleural effusion in 41 patients [83%], and hepatomegaly in 35 patients [70%].Transthoraco-abdominal sonography can be used as an adjunct first-line imaging modality in patients with suspected dengue fever to detect early signs suggestive of the disease prior to obtaining serological confirmation test results, especially in a dengue fever epidemic area and it also a useful tool to evaluate the severity of the disease.