Blood Flukes and Arterial Damage: A Review of Aneurysm Cases in Patients with Schistosomiasis

Figure 2

Aneurysms and schistosomiasis. Physiopathology behind aortic aneurysm and pulmonary artery aneurysm formation. (1) Schistosoma eggs may seed pulmonary arteries, leading to lung inflammatory reaction and granuloma formation. Direct damage to vessels may occur as a result of inflammation of tissues surrounding vessels. (2) Pulmonary inflammation due to Schistosoma eggs seeding of pulmonary arteries may lead to pulmonary hypertension. Damage to vessels may be due to hemodynamic changes. (3) Schistosoma eggs may seed major vessels wall through vasa vasorum, causing cystic medial necrosis and loss of wall integrity.