Disseminated infection with Strongyloides stercoralis in a diabetic patient

Indian J Med Microbiol. 2010 Oct-Dec;28(4):407-8. doi: 10.4103/0255-0857.71854.

Abstract

A 58-year-old male diabetic who was operated for carcinoma larynx 4 years back was admitted with exertional dyspnoea and bilateral leg swelling for the past 2 years. Over the last 2 months, there was a progressive worsening of symptoms. Echocardiography done 2 years back showed pericardial effusion. Echo done during the current admission also showed pericardial effusion with preserved left ventricular function; cytological examination of the pericardial fluid showed larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis. He was treated with antinematodal drugs. A follow-up echo done at discharge showed no pericardial effusion and the patient was completely asymptomatic. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Strongyloides pericardial effusion in a diabetic patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications*
  • Echocardiography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericardial Effusion / drug therapy
  • Pericardial Effusion / parasitology*
  • Strongyloides stercoralis / isolation & purification*
  • Strongyloidiasis / complications*
  • Strongyloidiasis / drug therapy
  • Strongyloidiasis / parasitology

Substances

  • Anthelmintics