Morbus Whipple: Wichtige Differentialdiagnose bei Polyarthritis und Fieber

Abstract

Whipple's disease is frequently recognised only after numerous diagnostic sidetracks. As demonstrated by four patients polyarthritis and fever are characteristic early symptoms for many years. Early consideration of this differential diagnosis and subsequent small intestinal biopsy permit early diagnosis of the disease. Intermittent or long-term antibiotic treatment successfully removes intestinal marasmus and its accompanying symptoms.