An autopsy case of pemphigus vulgaris complicating a fatal strongyloidiasis

An autopsy case of fatal strongyloidiasis in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris receiving long-term administration of corticosteroids was presented. There might exist a subclinical stage of 26 years between the acquisition of infection and the appearance of its severe symptoms. It is suggested that the long-term administration of corticosteroids and debilitating diseases increase the pathogenecity of Strongyloides stercoralis by autoinfection, and that fatal strongyloidiasis could be a possible complication of treatment with corticosteroids.