Gastroduodenal involvement in disseminated strongyloidiasis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Long-term corticosteroid use can lead to immunosuppression, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
• Proton pump inhibitors are commonly used for dyspepsia but may alter the gastric environment.
• Gastric strongyloidiasis is an uncommon manifestation of Strongyloides stercoralis infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of gastric strongyloidiasis.
• To emphasize the importance of considering this diagnosis in at-risk patients.
• To highlight diagnostic challenges with nonspecific endoscopic findings.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 57-year-old Peruvian man.
• Review of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings.
• Clinical correlation of patient history and symptoms.

Main Results:

• Endoscopy revealed multiple white granular lesions and widespread erosions in the stomach.
• The patient was on long-term corticosteroid therapy and proton pump inhibitors.
• Diagnosis of gastric strongyloidiasis was considered.

Conclusions:

• Gastric strongyloidiasis should be suspected in immunocompromised individuals with gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Nonspecific endoscopic findings should not exclude parasitic infections.
• Early consideration of strongyloidiasis is crucial for appropriate management.