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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
10:08
Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine
Published on: February 17, 2018
Cardiac complications in Whipple's disease
Alexander Hansen1, Derliz Mereles
1Department of Cardiology, Klinik Koesching, University Heidelberg, Krankenhausstr. 19, D-85092 Koesching, Germany. alexander_hansen@klinik-koesching.de
Summary
Whipple's disease, a rare infection by Tropheryma whipplei, can cause heart failure. This case study shows cardiac complications, including endocardial infiltrations, improved with antibiotic therapy.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Whipple's disease, caused by Tropheryma whipplei, is a rare systemic infection.
- Typically presents with arthropathy, weight loss, and diarrhea, but can affect multiple organs.
- Cardiac involvement is an uncommon but serious manifestation.
Observation:
- A patient presented with symptoms suggestive of cardiac complications.
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed endocardial infiltrations.
- The patient exhibited signs of heart failure.
Findings:
- The cardiac complications were directly attributed to Whipple's disease.
- Antibiotic treatment led to significant improvement in the patient's condition.
- TEE findings resolved or improved following treatment.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering cardiac involvement in Whipple's disease diagnosis.
- Demonstrates the efficacy of antibiotic therapy in managing cardiac manifestations.
- Suggests TEE is a valuable tool for diagnosing cardiac Whipple's disease.
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