Published online Jun 26, 2022. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i18.6163
Peer-review started: October 28, 2021
First decision: March 7, 2022
Revised: March 16, 2022
Accepted: April 22, 2022
Article in press: April 22, 2022
Published online: June 26, 2022
Processing time: 231 Days and 22.1 Hours
Strongyloidiasis is usually a chronic infection but it can develop into a fatal disease in immunosuppressed patients.
A 68-year-old male with rheumatoid arthritis was treated with a variety of immunosuppressants for the past 3 years. Recently, the patient presented with a partial small-bowel obstruction, petechia, coughing and peripheral neuropathy. The diagnosis was difficult to clarify in other hospitals. Our hospital found Strongyloides stercoralis larvae with active movement in the routine stool and sputum smears. The diagnosis of disseminated strongyloidiasis was established. Ivermectin combined with albendazole was used for treatment. The patient responded to therapy and was discharged.
This case underscores the importance of comprehensive differential diagnosis in immunocompromised patients.
Core Tip: Strongyloidiasis is usually a chronic infection but it can develop into a fatal disease in immunosuppressed patients. Here, we present a case of an immunocompromised patient with disseminated strongyloidiasis that was ignored by other hospitals. We discuss the challenges of diagnosis and the treatment. Since the disease was widespread, ivermectin combined with albendazole was used for treatment. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive differential diagnosis in immunocompromised patients.