Recurrent massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to Strongyloides stercoralis infection

A 29-yr-old black male immigrant from Africa presented with recurrent life-threatening upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to massive duodenal infection by Strongyloides stercoralis. The diagnosis was missed by repeated examinations of fresh stool specimens for ova and parasites and by an initial esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The diagnosis was made by pathologic examination of a duodenal biopsy and of a duodenal aspirate obtained at a second esophagogastroduodenoscopy. This has been previously reported as a cause of massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in four cases. Patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding who have travelled or lived in an endemic area should have a duodenal aspiration performed at esophagogastroduodenoscopy.