Isolated Whipple's endocarditis: an underestimated diagnosis that requires molecular analysis of surgical material

Abstract

Tropheryma whipplei is known as the bacterium that causes Whipple's disease, a rare systemic illness typically affecting gastrointestinal tract, joints, and central nervous system. In addition, T whipplei infection may present as an isolated endocarditis. Although previously regarded as a rare condition, T whipplei has been recognized as a major cause of culture-negative endocarditis when integrating specific molecular analysis of surgical material into the diagnostic algorithm. Here, we report the case of a 67-year-old man undergoing mitral valve replacement due to T whipplei endocarditis, and discuss diagnostic and therapeutic implications.