Musculoskeletal involvement in neglected tropical diseases: a comprehensive review

• Published in: Skeletal radiology Vol. 53; no. 10; pp. 2143 - 2160
• Main Authors: Serfaty, Aline, Rodrigues, Tatiane Cantarelli
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01-10-2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Chikungunya virus; Dengue fever; Differential diagnosis; Global health; Imaging; Low income groups; Medical imaging; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Musculoskeletal system; Nuclear Medicine; Orthopedics; Pathogens; Pathology; Preventable deaths; Radiology; Review Article; Sanitation; Tropical diseases; Tropical environment; Tropical environments; Neglected tropical diseases; Infection; Diagnostic imaging; Tropical infections; Musculoskeletal
• ISSN: 0364-2348; 1432-2161; 1432-2161
• DOI: 10.1007/s00256-024-04595-6

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) encompass a group of diseases predominantly found in tropical regions, with origins dating back to their inclusion in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals in 2000. This initiative aimed to raise awareness and global funding to combat these diseases, which thrive in areas with limited sanitation, healthcare, and education. NTDs are caused by various pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses and affect over two billion individuals in resource-poor communities, leading to preventable deaths and devastating consequences. While the musculoskeletal system is only occasionally affected, the resulting chronic disabilities prevent individuals from working, posing a significant socioeconomic burden in this region of the world. Some NTDs exhibit distinct imaging features, and radiologists need to be aware of these characteristics to facilitate early treatment. In this review, we delve into musculoskeletal NTDs, focusing on clinical features and imaging findings, differential diagnosis, and clinical management.