Whipple Disease
| Overview |
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- Whipple Disease is caused by systemic infection with the gram positive organism Tropheryma whippelii; however, the subsequent pathogenesis of this condition is cryptic.
| Morphology |
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- Characteristically, the small intestine mucosa is filled with macrophages laden with PAS-positive granules that contain the partially digested organisms. These microbe-filled macrophages are also present in heart valves and joints causing additional functional derangements at these locations.
| Clinical Consequences |
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- GI System: Steatorrhea and weight loss
- Heart: Cardiac abnormalities
- Joint: Arthritis
| Treatment |
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- Antibiotics are highly effective.