The spectrum of GI strongyloidiasis: an endoscopic-pathologic study.

Background: The aim of this study was a detailed endoscopic-pathologic assessment of patients with various forms of GI strongyloidiasis.

Methods: Six patients with a diagnosis of GI strongyloidiasis who underwent endoscopic evaluation during a 3-year period (January 1998-January 2001) were included. Published information was reviewed in detail, focusing on the endoscopic features and the diagnostic approach to this parasitosis.

Observations: Strongyloidiasis has a broad range of endoscopic features. In the duodenum, the findings included edema, brown discoloration of the mucosa, erythematous spots, subepithelial hemorrhages, and megaduodenum. In the colon, the findings included loss of vascular pattern, edema, aphthous ulcers, erosions, serpiginous ulcerations, and xanthoma-like lesions, and, in the stomach, thickened folds and mucosal erosions. A histopathologic diagnosis of strongyloidiasis was made in all cases.

Conclusions: Strongyloidiasis can involve any segment of the GI tract. EGD with procurement of biopsy specimens from the duodenum was the most accurate method of diagnosis in this case series.