| Popis: |
Dengue fever (DF) is a major public health problem with increased incidence in the recent years. DF mim- ics any viral fever and hence there is a delay in the diagnosis and treatment. It is diagnosed based on clinical findings and serological analysis, but serology takes more than a week to give a positive result. Ultrasound plays an important role as a prognostic indicator to assess patients at risk of entering the critical phase. We conducted a study of 32 patients to evaluate the early sonographic findings in dengue fever before serology is positive. Ultrasonography of the abdomen and pelvis was performed using 3-7MHz convex probe and 9-12 linear probe. In addition to this chest sonography was assessed for any pleural effusion. GB wall thickening is measured by placing the calipers between the two layers of anterior wall. All patients with signs and symptoms of either fever, headache, myalgia, rashes, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain with findings of dengue fever with low WBC and platelets were included in the study. Patients treated previously for dengue fever and currently asymptomatic were excluded. Gall bladder wall thickening, bilateral pleural effusion, splenomegaly and ascites were most prominent findings which can help in diagnosing patients early in acute dengue fever. |
