Publication:

Retrospective analysis of ultrasound features of dengue infection

Background Dengue infection is an extremely common infection in tropical countries. It is considered to be prevalent all-round the year. The aim of the study was to analyse the ultrasound features of serologically proven dengue cases. To correlate the platelet count with ultrasound features of dengue.

Methods Study included dengue patients admitted from January 2011 to December 2012. Dengue was diagnosed by IgM antibody test. All patients underwent ultrasound evaluation and platelet count testing.

Results most common finding was ascites in 43 cases (39.8%), splenomegaly in 41 cases (37.9%), right sided pleural effusion in 25 cases (23.4%), gall bladder wall thickening was present in 30 cases (27.7%) and hepatomegaly was present in 20 cases (18.5%). Presence of most of the features of ultrasound evaluation correlated with a platelet count of less than 40000 cells/mm3.

Conclusions The commonest sonographic findings were ascites and splenomegaly followed by pleural effusion and gall bladder wall thickening. Thus, presence of these ultrasound features in a febrile patient may be suggestive of dengue fever and presence of all the sonographic features may suggest a low platelet count.