5.3. Intestinal Disease - Whipple's Disease Flashcards
What is Whipple’s Disease?
A Rare Bacterial Infection
What bacteria causes Whipple’s Disease?
Tropheryma Whipplei
Is Whipple’s Disease more common in Males or Females?
Males
Which age group if Whipple’s Disease most prevalent?
Middle aged
What does the Bacterial Infection cause?
Serious Malabsorption
What is the Clinical Presentation of someone with Whipple’s Disease?
- Arthritis and Arthralgia
- Diarrhoea and Steatorrhoea
- Abdominal Pain
- Fever and Weight Loss
- Lymphadenopathy
- Periodic Acid Schiff macrophages are present in the Villi
What is the initial presentation?
Arthiritis and Arthralgia (Pain in the Joints)
Why is Diarrhoea and Steatorrhoea present?
Due to the malabsroption caused by the infectious bacteria
Why is there Abdominal Pain / Lymphadenopathy?
Due to the Infectious Nature of the Pathology
Why is there Fever and Weight Loss?
Due to the Systemic Effect of the Disease
Where might Lymphadenopathy occur?
In the Peripheries, as well as involvement of the Heart, Lungs, Joints and the Brain
What investigations are necessary for Whipple’s Disease?
- Blood Tests:
a) Chronic Inflammatory Markers (CRP and ESR)
b) Antibodies in Immunochemistry - Endoscopy
- Biopsy
- Electron Microscopy
What will the Endoscopy show?
Pale, Shaggy Duodenal Mucosa with Eroded (Red, Friable) Patches
What will the Biopsy Show?
The Periodic Acid Schiff Macrophages in the Villi
What will the Electron Microscopy show?
The presence of Bacteria
