Case Report

Strongyloides stercoralis: Presenting as intestinal obstruction - A malignancy masquerade

  Abstract :

Objective: Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode parasite, endemic in tropical and subtropical regions. It can occur without any symptoms, or as a potentially fatal infection. But once diagnosed, the disease can be treated effectively with antihelminthic drugs like Ivermectin. Duodenal obstruction is an underreported, poorly recognized complication of Strongyloidiasis stercoralis infection. Though endemic in few developing countries, lack of classical syndrome and features of autoinfection, hyperinfection make the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis very difficult. Case Report: This review article summarizes an unusual case of duodenal obstruction in 80 year-old Indian male caused by S. stercoralis alongwith various aspects of strongyloidiasis, with emphasis on epidemiology, life cycle, clinical manifestations and diagnostic aspects. Conclusion: Since the case clinically masqueraded as intestinal malignancy, the importance of simple stool examination and the role of pathologist in identifying the parasite are hereby highlighted.

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