[Whipple's disease in an elderly patient with a substantial weight loss and gastrointestinal symptoms]

Whipple's disease is a multisystemic infection with Tropheryma whipplei often characterised by its gastrointestinal involvement. However, due to the broad spectrum of unspecific symptoms, the diagnosis is often delayed. We report a case of a 70 year-old-man, who presented with extensive weight loss and lymphadenopathy. The diagnosis of Whipple's disease was made 18 months later on a duodenal biopsy. Retrospectively, it was discovered that a mesenterial biopsy taken earlier also revealed signs of Whipple's disease. Clinicians and pathologists need to be aware of this very rare and potentially fatal disease.