Musculoskeletal Imaging

Dracunculiasis

an infectious disease caused by the guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis), often after ingestion of water contaminated with the vector, a water flea (cyclops). Radiographic abnormalities are produced in the lower extremities and hands by calcified dead parasites within the subcutaneous tissues (Fig.1). Long, curled radiodense shadows are observed. Presence of a guinea worm adjacent to a joint may lead to a reaction with joint effusion and secondary bacterial infection.

DR/RB

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Fig.1

AP radiograph of the knees demonstrates numerous calcific densities in the soft tissues which represent the calcified remains of guinea worms.
Dracunculiasis, Fig.1