1
|
Bakhshwin A, Duckworth LA, Toro Castano P, El Hag M, Plesec T. Is PAS Stain Necessary to Exclude Whipple Disease in Duodenal Biopsies? Int J Surg Pathol 2024:10668969241260818. [PMID: 38899912 DOI: 10.1177/10668969241260818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Objective. Whipple disease, caused by Tropheryma whipplei, is a rare infectious condition primarily presenting with malabsorptive diarrhea. Small bowel biopsies typically reveal foamy macrophages containing periodic acid-Schiff-positive/diastase (PAS/D) resistant T. whipplei bacilli, and PAS(D) staining is occasionally requested by clinicians in duodenal biopsies, which are often histologically unremarkable. The yield of PAS(D) staining in such biopsies has never been reported to our knowledge. Methods. The anatomic pathology database was searched for all specimens of duodenal biopsies stained with PAS(D) from 1993 to 2021. Specimens were categorized by the following histomorphologic features: unremarkable, nonspecific changes, or expansion of the lamina propria by aggregates of foamy histiocytes. Follow-up information was collected, including microbiologic confirmatory testing. Results. There was a total of 193 specimens of duodenal biopsies stained with PAS(D). Biopsies lacking foamy histiocytes on H&E (n = 158) were never PAS-positive. Thirteen biopsies contained PAS-positive histiocytes; 9 out of the 13 PAS-positive specimens were subsequently confirmed to be T. whipplei. Of the 193 specimens, 124 specimens had a clinical request for PAS(D) staining. Only 3 of the 124 (2.4%) specimens showed foamy histiocytes containing PAS-positive granules, all of which were confirmed positive for T. whipplei. Conclusion. PAS(D) staining is unnecessary to exclude Whipple disease in duodenal biopsies without foamy macrophage aggregates, regardless of clinical suspicion. Clinical suspicion-driven biopsies often yield negative results for Whipple disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Bakhshwin
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lauren Ashley Duckworth
- Department of Pathology, Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Paula Toro Castano
- Department of Pathology, Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mohamed El Hag
- Department of Pathology, Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Thomas Plesec
- Department of Pathology, Robert J. Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Saffioti C, Nebiolo M, Caorsi R, Mesini A, Severino M, Brisca G, Castagnola E, Gattorno M. Whipple Disease Presenting as Isolated Transverse Myelitis with Permanent Neurological Damage in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report of a Difficult Diagnosis with a Literature Review. Infect Dis Rep 2024; 16:269-280. [PMID: 38525769 PMCID: PMC10961757 DOI: 10.3390/idr16020022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
We describe an atypical case of Whipple disease exclusively involving the spinal cord in an adolescent receiving immunosuppressive therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus. The diagnosis was particularly difficult since lupus and Whipple disease can present similar clinical features and the patient's prolonged contact with sewage was initially not mentioned. A literature review of the clinical, imaging, diagnostic, and therapeutic challenges of Whipple disease is also performed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Saffioti
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (A.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Marta Nebiolo
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Roberta Caorsi
- Rheumatolgy and Autoinflammatory Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (R.C.); (M.G.)
| | - Alessio Mesini
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (A.M.); (E.C.)
| | | | - Giacomo Brisca
- Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Elio Castagnola
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (A.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Marco Gattorno
- Rheumatolgy and Autoinflammatory Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (R.C.); (M.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Ozen
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Marmara University, School of Medicine, the Istanbul Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic Center for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases, and the Isil Berat Barlan Center for Translational Medicine - all in Istanbul, Turkey (A.O.); and the Molecular Development of the Immune System Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, Clinical Genomics Program, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (M.J.L.)
| | - Michael J Lenardo
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Marmara University, School of Medicine, the Istanbul Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic Center for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases, and the Isil Berat Barlan Center for Translational Medicine - all in Istanbul, Turkey (A.O.); and the Molecular Development of the Immune System Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, Clinical Genomics Program, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (M.J.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rapidly progressive dementia and intractable diarrhea: a teaching case report and a systematic review of cognitive impairment in Whipple’s disease. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:907-926. [PMID: 34981284 PMCID: PMC8722651 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05844-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Objective Methods Results Conclusions Supplementary Information
Collapse
|
5
|
Kobayashi T, Amram AL, Gehrs K, Diekema D, Barker J. A 52-Year-Old Man With Uveitis and Altered Mental Status. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:873-875. [PMID: 33667312 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Takaaki Kobayashi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Alec L Amram
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Karen Gehrs
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Daniel Diekema
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Jason Barker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Melas N, Amin R, Gyllemark P, Younes AH, Almer S. Whipple's disease: the great masquerader-a high level of suspicion is the key to diagnosis. BMC Gastroenterol 2021; 21:128. [PMID: 33743602 PMCID: PMC7980341 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-021-01664-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whipple's disease is a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the small intestine, but several organs can simultaneously be involved. The disease is caused by a gram-positive bacterium called Tropheryma whipplei. The disease is difficult to suspect because it is rare with unspecific and long-term symptoms; it can be lethal if not properly treated. CASE PRESENTATION We here present three patients who presented with a plethora of symptoms, mainly long-standing seronegative arthritis and gastrointestinal symptoms in the form of diarrhea with blood, weight loss, fever, and lymphadenopathy. They were after extensive investigations diagnosed with Whipple's disease, in two of them as long as 8 years after the first occurrence of joint manifestations. The diagnosis was made by PCR targeting the T. whipplei 16S rRNA gene from small bowel specimen in all three patients, and, besides from histopathologic findings from the duodenum and distal ileum in one and mesenteric lymph nodes in another patient. CONCLUSIONS This report aims to raise awareness of a very rare disease that presents with a combination of symptoms mimicking other and significantly more common diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Melas
- Department of Gastroenterology and Emergency Care, Gävle Hospital, Gävle, Sweden
| | - Rasjan Amin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, S:T Göran Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paula Gyllemark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Region Jönköping County, Jönköping, Sweden.,Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Amil Haji Younes
- Department of Gastroenterology and Emergency Care, Gävle Hospital, Gävle, Sweden
| | - Sven Almer
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden. .,Division of Gastroenterology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Losa F, Firinu D, Deidda M, Costanzo G, del Giacco SR. Clinical pitfalls of leishmaniasis and Whipple's disease hidden behind systemic lupus erythematosus: A case series. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung 2019; 66:377-385. [PMID: 31096758 DOI: 10.1556/030.66.2019.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic autoimmune disease that can affect major organs possibly leading to life-threatening complications and appears with heterogeneous clinical picture. SLE could present with broad spectrum of clinical and laboratory features that can resemble those of other diseases, such as hemopoietic malignancies, infections, or immune-mediated disorders. Its complexity and protean features overlap with many other diseases, hindering the differential diagnosis. Rarely, true overlap with other diseases may occur. Herein, we report a case series of two patients affected by infectious diseases, namely visceral leishmaniasis and Whipple's disease (WD), intertwined with clinical or serological features of SLE. In both cases, several confounding factors have led to a delay in the diagnosis. Moreover, we first describe the persistent elevation of autoantibodies and a monoclonal gammopathy in a patient with WD. Awareness of unusual presentations of infections or other rare disorders, which may be encountered in clinical practice when taking care of SLE patients, is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment of potentially lethal diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Losa
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health and Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital “Duilio Casula”, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
| | - Davide Firinu
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health and Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital “Duilio Casula”, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
| | - Margherita Deidda
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health and Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital “Duilio Casula”, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
| | - Giulia Costanzo
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health and Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital “Duilio Casula”, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
| | - Stefano R. del Giacco
- 1 Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health and Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital “Duilio Casula”, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Beltrame A, Ragusa A, Perandin F, Formenti F, Fenollar F, Edouard S, Laroche M, Zavarise G, Doro F, Giorli G, Raoult D, Bisoffi Z. Tropheryma whipplei intestinal colonization in Italian and migrant population: a retrospective observational study. Future Microbiol 2019; 14:283-292. [PMID: 30855186 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2018-0347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To obtain the first molecular epidemiological survey of Tropheryma whipplei intestinal colonization in Italy. Materials & methods: Retrospective, observational study to assess the prevalence of T. whipplei, the causative agent of Whipple's disease, in stool samples (real-time PCR) of patients attending the Center for Tropical Diseases (Italy) and risk factors associated. RESULTS Overall prevalence was 6.9% (85/1240). The younger age group showed a significantly higher rate than older age group (12.7 vs 5.9%, p = 0.002). The prevalence was 4.9% for Italians and 9.3% for migrants (p = 0.003). Among the latter, children less than 10 years had higher prevalence than older ones (17.3 vs 7.3%, p = 0.003). The young age, male gender and Giardia duodenalis and Entamoeba histolytica coinfection were risk factors. CONCLUSION Our study confirms an increased risk of acquiring T. whipplei infection during childhood, under poor sanitary conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Beltrame
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, IRCCS Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Via Sempreboni 5, 37024 Negrar, Italy
| | - Andrea Ragusa
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, IRCCS Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Via Sempreboni 5, 37024 Negrar, Italy
| | - Francesca Perandin
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, IRCCS Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Via Sempreboni 5, 37024 Negrar, Italy
| | - Fabio Formenti
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, IRCCS Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Via Sempreboni 5, 37024 Negrar, Italy
| | - Florence Fenollar
- Aix Marseille Univ, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, France
| | - Sophie Edouard
- Aix Marseille Univ, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, France
| | - Maureen Laroche
- Aix Marseille Univ, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, France
| | - Giorgio Zavarise
- Paediatrics Department, IRCSS Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Via Sempreboni 5, 37024 Negrar, Italy
| | - Francesco Doro
- Paediatrics Department, IRCSS Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Via Sempreboni 5, 37024 Negrar, Italy
| | - Giovanni Giorli
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, IRCCS Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Via Sempreboni 5, 37024 Negrar, Italy
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Univ, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005, France
| | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, IRCCS Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Via Sempreboni 5, 37024 Negrar, Italy.,Department of Diagnostic & Public Health, University of Verona, P.le L. A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whipple disease (WD) is an infection caused by the bacterium Tropheryma whipplei (TW). Few cases have been reported in the USA. AIMS To report on the demographics, clinical manifestations, diagnostic findings, treatment, and outcomes of TW infection. METHODS Cases of TW infection diagnosed from 1995 to 2010 were identified in three US referral centers and from 1995 to 2015 in one. Definite classic WD was defined by positive periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and probable WD by specific positive TW polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of intestinal specimens. Localized infections were defined by a positive TW PCR result from samples of other tissues/body fluids. RESULTS Among the 33 cases of TW infections, 27 (82%) were male. Median age at diagnosis was 53 years (range 11-75). Diagnosis was supported by a positive TW PCR in 29 (88%) and/or a positive PAS in 16 (48%) patients. Classic WD was the most frequent presentation (n = 18, 55%), with 14 definite and 4 probable cases. Localized infections (n = 15, 45%) affected the central nervous system (n = 7), joints (n = 4), heart (n = 2), eye (n = 1), and skeletal muscle (n = 1). Blood PCR was negative in 9 of 17 (53%) cases at diagnosis. Ceftriaxone intravenously followed by trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole orally was the most common regimen (n = 23, 70%). Antibiotic therapy resulted in clinical response in 24 (73%). CONCLUSIONS TW infection can present as intestinal or localized disease. Negative small bowel PAS and PCR do not exclude the diagnosis of TW infection, and blood PCR is insensitive for active infection.
Collapse
|
10
|
Lehmann P, Ehrenstein B, Hartung W, Dragonas C, Reischl U, Fleck M. PCR analysis is superior to histology for diagnosis of Whipple's disease mimicking seronegative rheumatic diseases. Scand J Rheumatol 2016; 46:138-142. [PMID: 27398638 DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2016.1183038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The diagnosis of Whipple's disease (WD) is commonly confirmed by histology demonstrating Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS)-positive macrophages in the duodenal mucosa. Analysis of intestinal tissue or other specimens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a more sensitive method. However, the relevance of positive PCR findings is still controversial. Therefore, we evaluated the relevance of histology and PCR findings to establishing the diagnosis of WD in a series of WD patients initially presenting with suspected rheumatic diseases. METHOD Between 2006 and 2014, 20 patients with seronegative rheumatic diseases tested positive for Tropheryma whipplei (Tw) by PCR and/or histology and were enrolled in a retrospective analysis of the diagnostic value of both procedures. RESULTS Seven of the 20 cases (35%) were diagnosed with 'classic' WD as indicated by PAS-positive macrophages. In the remaining 13 patients, the presence of Tw was detected by intestinal (n = 10) or synovial PCR analysis (n = 3). Two of the 20 patients (10%) with evidence of Tw did not respond to antibiotic therapy. They were not considered to suffer from WD. Therefore, relying only on histological findings of intestinal biopsies would have missed 11 (61%) of the 18 patients with WD in our cohort. In comparison, PCR of intestinal biopsies detected Tw-DNA in 14 (93%) of the 15 WD patients evaluated. Patients with a positive histology did not differ from PCR-positive patients with regard to sex, age, or duration of disease, but more often presented with gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS A substantial number of WD patients present without typical intestinal histology findings. Additional PCR analysis of intestinal tissue or synovial fluid increased the sensitivity of the diagnostic evaluation and should be considered particularly in patients presenting with atypical seronegative rheumatic diseases and a high-risk profile for WD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Lehmann
- a Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology , Asklepios Medical Centre , Bad Abbach , Germany
| | - B Ehrenstein
- a Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology , Asklepios Medical Centre , Bad Abbach , Germany
| | - W Hartung
- a Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology , Asklepios Medical Centre , Bad Abbach , Germany
| | - C Dragonas
- a Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology , Asklepios Medical Centre , Bad Abbach , Germany
| | - U Reischl
- b Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Centre Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| | - M Fleck
- a Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology , Asklepios Medical Centre , Bad Abbach , Germany.,c Department of Internal Medicine I , University Medical Centre Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Günther U, Moos V, Offenmüller G, Oelkers G, Heise W, Moter A, Loddenkemper C, Schneider T. Gastrointestinal diagnosis of classical Whipple disease: clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic features in 191 patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015; 94:e714. [PMID: 25881849 PMCID: PMC4602506 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Classic Whipple disease (CWD) is a systemic infection caused by Tropheryma whipplei. Different diagnostic tools have been developed over the last decades: periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, T whipplei-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and T whipplei-specific immunohistochemistry (IHC). Despite all these advances, CWD is still difficult to diagnose because of a variety of clinical symptoms and possibly a long time span between first unspecific symptoms and the full-blown clinical picture of the disease. Herein, we report an observational cohort study summarizing epidemiologic data, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic parameters of 191 patients with CWD collected at our institution. Gastrointestinal manifestations are the most characteristic symptoms of CWD affecting 76% of the cohort. Although the small bowel was macroscopically conspicuous in only 27% of cases, 173 (91%) patients presented with characteristic histological changes in small bowel biopsies (in 2 patients, these changes were only seen within the ileum). However, 18 patients displayed normal small bowel histology without typical PAS staining. In 9 of these patients, alternative test were positive from their duodenal specimens (ie, T whipplei-specific PCR and/or IHC). Thus, in 182 patients (95%) a diagnostic hint toward CWD was obtained from small bowel biopsies. Only 9 patients (5%) were diagnosed solely based on positive T whipplei-specific PCR and/or IHC of extraintestinal fluids (eg, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid) or extraintestinal tissue (eg, lymph node, synovial tissue), respectively. Thus, despite efforts to diagnose CWD from alternative specimens, gastroscopy with duodenal biopsy and subsequent histological and molecular-biological examination is the most reliable diagnostic tool for CWD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ute Günther
- From the Charité - Campus Benjamin Franklin (UG, VM, GOffenmüller, GOelkers, TS), Medical Clinic I Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases, Rheumatology; Vivantes Auguste-Viktoria-Klinikum (UG), Klinik für Innere Medizin, Infektiologie und Gastroenterologie; Evangelisches Krankenhaus Königin Elisabeth (WH), Abteilung Innere Medizin/Gastroeneterologie, Infektiologie und Nephrologie; Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin (AM), Biofilmzentrum; and PathoTres (CL), Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Marth T. Systematic review: Whipple's disease (Tropheryma whipplei infection) and its unmasking by tumour necrosis factor inhibitors. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2015; 41:709-24. [PMID: 25693648 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 01/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The classical form of Whipple's disease (WD), clinically characterised by arthropathy, diarrhoea and weight loss, is rare. Recently, other more frequent forms of Tropheryma whipplei infection have been recognised. The clinical spectrum includes an acute, self-limiting disease in children, localised forms affecting cardiac valves or the central nervous system without intestinal symptoms, and asymptomatic carriage of T. whipplei which is found in around 4% of Europeans. Genomic analysis has shown that T. whipplei represents a host-dependent or opportunistic bacterium. It has been reported that the clinical course of T. whipplei infection may be influenced by medical immunosuppression. AIM To identify associations between immunomodulatory treatment and the clinical course of T. whipplei infection. METHODS A PubMed literature search was performed and 19 studies reporting on immunosuppression, particularly therapy with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFI) prior to the diagnosis in 41 patients with Whipple?s disease, were evaluated. RESULTS As arthritis may precede the diagnosis of WD by many years, a relevant percentage (up to 50% in some reports) of patients are treated with immunomodulatory drugs or with TNFI. Many publications report on a complicated Whipple?s disease course or T. whipplei endocarditis following medical immunosuppression, particularly after TNFI. Standard diagnostic tests such as periodic acid-Schiff stain used to diagnose Whipple?s disease often fail in patients who are pre-treated by TNFI. CONCLUSIONS In cases of doubt, Whipple?s disease should be excluded before therapy with TNFI. The fact that immunosuppressive therapy contributes to the progression of T. whipplei infection expands our pathogenetic view of this clinical entity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Marth
- Division of Internal Medicine, Krankenhaus Maria Hilf, Daun, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chronic infections of the small intestine cause significant morbidity and mortality globally. This review focuses on the recent advances in the field of our understanding of selected intestinal infections. RECENT FINDINGS Primary and secondary immunodeficiency increase the susceptibility to many chronic intestinal infections. Endoscopy and intestinal biopsies are central to establishing a diagnosis of these conditions. Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge. Emerging therapeutic agents to counteract multidrug-resistant strains have shown clinical efficacy, but concerns regarding mortality remain. PCR-based diagnostic TB tests have the potential to reduce diagnostic delays, but remain to be validated for intestinal infections. Adjunctive diagnostic imaging modalities can differentiate infections from Crohn's disease with increasing accuracy. Whipple's disease remains rare, but there have been substantial advances in our understanding of the causative organism Tropheryma whipplei. Extended treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics is effective in most cases. The narrow therapeutic window and limited armamentarium for treating invasive filamentous fungal infections contribute to their significant morbidity and high rates of mortality. SUMMARY The speed and accuracy of diagnosing chronic intestinal infections have improved with recent imaging and laboratory methodologies. Significant research opportunities remain for clinicians and scientists to improve the diagnostic accuracy and clinical outcomes of chronic intestinal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Billy Bourke
- aNational Centre for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Our Lady's Children's Hospital bNational Children's Research Centre, Crumlin, Dublin cUCD School of Medicine and Medical Science dConway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Baloira A, Núñez M, Tumbeiro M, Parente-Lamelas I, Bastos M, Gutiérrez M. Pulmonary hypertension associated with Whipple disease. Eur Respir Rev 2014; 23:533-6. [DOI: 10.1183/09059180.00005714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
|
15
|
Ali MA, Arnold CA, Singhi AD, Voltaggio L. Clues to uncommon and easily overlooked infectious diagnoses affecting the GI tract and distinction from their clinicopathologic mimics. Gastrointest Endosc 2014; 80:689-706. [PMID: 25070906 DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2014.04.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M Aamir Ali
- Department of Gastroenterology, George Washington University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Aatur D Singhi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lysandra Voltaggio
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Whipple's Disease: Our Own Experience and Review of the Literature. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2013; 2013:478349. [PMID: 23843784 PMCID: PMC3703430 DOI: 10.1155/2013/478349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Whipple's disease is a chronic infectious systemic disease caused by the bacterium Tropheryma whipplei. Nondeforming arthritis is frequently an initial complaint. Gastrointestinal and general symptoms include marked diarrhoea (with serious malabsorption), abdominal pain, prominent weight loss, and low-grade fever. Possible neurologic symptoms (up to 20%) might be associated with worse prognosis. Diagnosis is based on the clinical picture and small intestinal histology revealing foamy macrophages containing periodic-acid-Schiff- (PAS-) positive material. Long-term (up to one year) antibiotic therapy provides a favourable outcome in the vast majority of cases. This paper provides review of the literature and an analysis of our 5 patients recorded within a 20-year period at a tertiary gastroenterology centre. Patients were treated using i.v. penicillin G or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid + i.v. gentamicin for two weeks, followed by p.o. doxycycline (100 mg per day) plus p.o. salazopyrine (3 g per day) for 1 year. Full remission was achieved in all our patients.
Collapse
|
17
|
Current World Literature. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2013; 25:275-83. [DOI: 10.1097/bor.0b013e32835eb755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|