[Whipple disease]

Abstract

A case of Whipple's disease (WD) initially presenting with migrating arthralgia and later with weight loss, malaise, fever and abdominal discomfort is reported. On examination the patient showed signs of malnutrition, was anaemic and pyrexial (37.6-38.8) and had mild abdominal distention. Retroperitoneal lymph node enlargement was demonstrated by CT-scanning. Gastroduodenoscopy demonstrated white plaques and erosions in the 2nd and 3rd part of the duodenum. Repeated small bowed biopsies revealed pathological changes typical of WD. The patient was treated with parenteral penicillin 2 MIE t.i.d. for 14 days followed by sulfamethoxazole 800 mg and trimethoprim 160 mg b.i.d for a year. Response to treatment was satisfactory. Serum alkaline phosphatase levels were raised: 324-649 U/l (80-275) on admission and remained so following treatment.