Pulmonary strongyloidiasis presenting as chronic bronchitis leading to interlobular septal fibrosis and cured by treatment

Abstract

Two patients presented with long-standing chronic bronchitis and exertional dyspnoea of 5 and 3 months' duration, respectively, and had interlobular septal fibrosis on chest high resolution CT. In the past both had lived in areas in which Strongyloides stercoralis was known to be endemic. Serological tests confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary strongyloidiasis, and both patients were treated with anti-helminthic medications, including albendazole and ivermectin. Following this there was complete resolution of both symptomatic and radiological manifestations of their disease. An awareness of the possibility of Strongyloides infection presenting with respiratory symptoms in patients exposed to this parasite is important in the management of such patients.