Disseminated strongyloidiasis presenting as purpura

We report a patient with disseminated strongyloidiasis who was being treated with steroids for cerebral edema caused by brain metastases from urinary bladder carcinoma. He had extensive purpura involving the abdomen, arms, and thighs. A skin biopsy specimen showed numerous larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis. Subsequently, rhabdoid larvae of S. stercoralis were isolated in the stool and the sputum. The patient died 2 days later despite thiabendazole therapy.