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Syndrome of Inappropriate Secretion of Antidiuretic Hormone and Nonpalpable Purpura in a Woman With Strongyloides Stercoralis Hyperinfection

Strongyloidiasis stercoralis hyperinfection presenting as vasculitic-like skin lesions is rare. An autoinfection cycle allows intestinal strongyloidiasis, usually a benign infection, to persist for many decades. We report a woman with disseminated S stercoralis infection presenting as nonpalpable purpuric skin rash and syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Upon admission, she was treated with corticosteroids for her vasculitic skin lesions, which then worsened her status. When the diagnosis was recognized, steroids were stopped, thiabendazole treatment was instituted, and she gradually recovered. Serious or fatal infection can occur in patients with strongyloidiasis who were treated with immunosuppressive drugs. Stool specimen screening and/or serological tests for S stercoralis infection in patients who require immunosuppressive therapy helps to prevent complications before embarking on such treatment. Unexplained hyponatremia, severe hypoalbuminemia without proteinuria, and unusual skin rashes, especially over the lower aspect of the abdomen and upper aspects of the thighs, in persons living in areas endemic to S stercoralis should raise suspicion of S stercoralis infection.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:ETSU/oai:dc.etsu.edu:etsu-works-2-1450
Date01 May 2003
CreatorsReddy, Thugu S., Myers, James W.
PublisherDigital Commons @ East Tennessee State University
Source SetsEast Tennessee State University
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typetext
SourceETSU Faculty Works

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