Ultrasound Features of Dengue and its Correlation with Platelet Count

Aim Correlation of sonographic features of polyserositis with platelet counts in dengue fever. MATERIALS& METHODS Three hundred patients with positive dengue serology [160 (54 %) males and 140 (46 %) females], in the age group of 3-80 years, were evaluated by trans abdominal sonography during an epidemic from March 2017 to October 2017 in a tertiary care hospital. The findings were correlated with platelet counts. Results The common features on ultrasonography were hepatomegaly, GB wall edema, ascites, splenomegaly and pleural effusion. Hepatomegaly was observed in 72 % of the patients (n=216), GB wall edema in 65 % (n=195), splenomegaly in 44 % (n=132), ascites in 50 % (n=150), unilateral pleural effusion in 52 % (n=156) and bilateral pleural effusion in 27 % (n=81). Conclusion In a febrile patient with thrombocytopenia and positive dengue serology, ultrasonography of abdomen is a useful tool to evaluate severity of illness. Ultrasound findings of GB wall edema, ascites and pleural effusion are directly proportional to the extent of thrombocytopenia. In an epidemic scenario USG features may help in roughly estimating the platelet count even before serology and platelet results are available. Thus, it helps in treatment planning without waiting for the laboratory results.