Tuberc Respir Dis.  2016 Oct;79(4):307-311. 10.4046/trd.2016.79.4.307.

Pulmonary Strongyloidiasis Masquerading as Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

• Pradhan G
• Behera P
• Panigrahi
• Bhuniya S
• Mohapatra
• Turuk J
• Mohanty S

• KMID: 2365324
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2016.79.4.307

Abstract

Pulmonary strongyloidiasis is an uncommon presentation of Strongyloides infection, usually seen in immunocompromised hosts. The manifestations are similar to that of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, the diagnosis of pulmonary strongyloidiasis could be challenging in a COPD patient, unless a high index of suspicion is maintained. Here, we present a case of Strongyloides hyperinfection in a COPD patient mimicking acute exacerbation, who was on chronic steroid therapy.

Keyword

Strongyloides stercoralis; Hyperinfection Syndrome; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Acute Disease; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

MeSH Terms

Acute Disease
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Diagnosis
Humans
Immunocompromised Host
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive*
Strongyloides
Strongyloides stercoralis
Strongyloidiasis*
Adrenal Cortex Hormones

Figure

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  Figure 1 Chest radiograph showing bilateral lung hyperinflation with prominent vascular markings.

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  Figure 2 Acid-fast stain of sputum showing larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis (×1,000).

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  Figure 3 Wet-mount of stool showing larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis (×400).

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