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Patient case: Whipple’s Disease

Discussion

A 45-year-old male presented with chronic diarrhea, unintentional weight loss, and intermittent joint pain. Over the past several months, he experienced fatigue, abdominal pain, and progressive weakness. His past medical history was unremarkable, with no recent travel or family history of gastrointestinal disease. Physical examination revealed pale skin, generalized muscle wasting, and mild peripheral edema. Blood tests showed anemia and low albumin levels. Stool tests were negative for infectious organisms.

Endoscopic examination with a small bowel biopsy revealed foamy macrophages in the lamina propria that stained positive with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), consistent with Whipple’s disease. The patient was started on long-term antibiotic therapy, resulting in gradual improvement of symptoms.

Questions
1. Which of the following is the most characteristic histological finding in Whipple's disease?

A) Acid-fast bacilli

B) Foamy macrophages positive for periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)

C) Non-caseating granulomas

D) Crypt abscesses

2. What is the most common symptom presented in a patient with Whipple's disease?

A) Hematuria

B) Chronic diarrhea

C) Polyuria

D) Shortness of breath

3. What is the definitive treatment for Whipple’s disease?

A) Antiviral therapy

B) Long-term antibiotic therapy

C) Surgery for bowel obstruction

D) Immunosuppressants

4. Which of the following laboratory findings is commonly associated with Whipple’s disease?

A) Elevated liver enzymes

B) Anemia and low albumin levels

C) Hypercalcemia

D) Leukocytosis

Reveal answers

Answers

1. B) Foamy macrophages positive for periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)

2. B) Chronic diarrhea

3. B) Long-term antibiotic therapy

4. B) Anemia and low albumin levels

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