Overwhelming strongyloidiasis in a diabetic patient following ACTH treatment and keto-acidosis.

A non insulin-dependent Zairian patient developed ketoacidosis and then overwhelming strongyloidiasis following ACTH treatment. Severe cardiovascular and respiratory failure, associated with severe acute hypoprotidemia, preceded death, which occurred within three days. Pathologic examination revealed a massive parasitic infiltration of the gastro-enteric mucosa, mesenteric lymph nodes, and the pulmonary tissue and vessels. We suggest that ACTH treatment and keto-acidosis induced immune deficiency and triggered the acute parasitic episode, in a patient originating from an endemic area. Badly controlled diabetes should be known as a risk factor of hyperinfection by Strongyloides stercoralis in latent carriers.