[Atypical manifestations of Whipple's disease]

An Med Interna. 2001 Jan;18(1):24-6.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

We report 2 new cases of Whipple's disease (WD) with especial characteristics. In one case, an asymptomatic leukocytosis was the first manifestation, and after therapy the patient developed a gastric adenocarcinoma. In the second, the clinic suspect we led to try antibiotic treatment in absent of histological manifestations. The clinical, analytical and histological characteristics of both patients are described. We propose that WD should be listed in the differential diagnosis of unknown leukocytosis. Moreover, we indicate the possibility to try empirical antibiotic therapy in long-term cases without histological confirmation. Finally, we suggest a possible role of WD in the development of cancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Whipple Disease / diagnosis*