[A double-faced myocarditis: Whipple's disease or sarcoidosis?]

Abstract

Introduction: Whipple's disease is a systemic infection that may mimic sarcoidosis in its initial presentation. The heart involvement is not uncommon and consists generally in an endocarditis. Myocarditis is less common and is usually accompanied by impairment of heart conduction.

Case report: We report a 56-year-old man with Whipple's disease associated with a myocarditis, initially diagnosed as having a sarcoidosis with cardiac injury. The contribution of the histology and molecular biology on intestinal sampling made it possible to rectify the diagnosis.

Conclusion: The diagnosis of Whipple's disease should be considered in the presence of a systemic granulomatosis with or without heart involvement. Early diagnosis is important because of effectiveness of antibiotic therapy.