title: Unique linear and nodular MR enhancement pattern in schistosomiasis of the central nervous system: report of three patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this paper is to describe the unique MR imaging appearance of schistosomiasis of the central nervous system (CNS).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR images in all three patients with CNS schistosomiasis revealed a central linear enhancement surrounded by multiple enhancing punctate nodules, forming an "arborized" appearance. Pathologically, this enhancement pattern correlated with a host granulomatous response to Schistosoma species ova. Although the pattern is not present in all cases of CNS schistosomiasis, when it is observed, a diagnosis of CNS schistosomiasis should be considered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Gray Building 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Sanelli
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Lev
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Gonzalez
authors.forename: P W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Schaefer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D020818:Neuroschistosomiasis / Q000473:pathology*