Imaging of parasitic diseases of the musculoskeletal system and soft tissues

Abstract

Musculoskeletal parasites (MSKP) are usually encountered in tropical areas. However, there have recently been reports from western countries, e.g., Germany (Kienast et al. 2007), France (Ansart et al. 2007; Bouchaud et al. 2000), and Canada (Ancelle et al. 2005; Davies et al. 1993). The relation of the musculoskeletal system (MSK) to parasites has its own peculiarity. The large surface area of the overlying skin is an open entrance gate, particularly during swimming in polluted ponds and swamps. The exposure of farmers to parasites is compulsory in agricultural irrigation canals. Sleeping on the bare ground provides a fast track into the human body. Soil-transmitted parasites are a major health problem in many countries, particularly in children (Xu et al. 1995). Temporarily, the subcutaneous tissues provide a medium for local wandering movement as in cutaneous larva migrans (Jelinek et al. 1994). The MSK may act as a graveyard for those parasites that do not complete their life cycle and finally lodge in muscles or bones. Unlike the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), there is no continuous supply of soluble nourishment and no room for delivery of offspring or reproduction because of bone tissue compactness, muscle movements, and contractions. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.