z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
Flare-up of ulcerative colitis after systemic corticosteroids: A strong case for Strongyloides
Author(s) -
Shomron BenHorin,
Iris Barshack,
Yehuda Chowers,
Meir Mouallem
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.14.4413
Subject(s) - strongyloides stercoralis , medicine , ulcerative colitis , strongyloides , eosinophilia , inflammatory bowel disease , diarrhea , abdominal pain , gastroenterology , strongyloidiasis , immunology , disease , dermatology , helminths
Super-imposed infection with intestinal organisms can mimic a flare-up of underlying disease in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We report a case of patient with long standing ulcerative colitis (UC), who presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea and low-grade fever after receiving systemic corticosteroids for an unrelated disorder. Despite a negative stool examination, a peripheral eosinophilia reappeared upon tapering down of a corticosteroid dose. Subsequently, duodenal biopsies showed evidence for Strongyloides, presumably acquired 20 years ago when the patient was residing in Brazil. The patient fully recovered following anti-helmintic therapy. This case underscores the importance of considering Strongyloides in the work-up of flaring-up IBD patients, even if a history of residing or traveling to endemic areas is in the distant past.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here