[Strongyloides stercoralis infection simulating polyarteritis nodosa]

Abstract

Introduction: Parasitic infection can present with many different clinical manifestations.

Exegesis: A 77 year-old Russian woman, who's been living in France since 50 years was admitted for polyarthritis, myalgia, fever, abdominal pain, and eosinophilia simulating polyarterisis nodosa. Before admission, she was treated by steroids for polymyalgia rheumatica. The diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis was performed by parasitologic analysis of feces and colic biopsies. The outcome was favourable under treatment by ivermectine and steroid withdrawal.

Conclusion: S. stercoralis can be associated with reactive arthritis. Case reports of S. stercoralis infection mimicking systemic vasculitis are exceptionnal.