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Published on: April 19, 2024
Recurrent thrombosis as a clinical presentation of Whipple disease
María Terrones-Peinador1, Simeón Eremiev-Eremiev2, Carlos Pigrau-Serrallach2
1Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain mterrones@vhebron.net.
Abstract:
Whipple's disease (WD) is a rare infectious disease with a wide clinical spectrum. Associated thrombotic manifestations are not well described in WD, only related to 'stroke-like syndrome'. We present a case of a 39-year-old man with a 1-year history of self-limited episodes of fever, associated with generalised adenopathies and recurrent superficial and deep venous thrombosis events, which have resorted four times despite the anticoagulant treatment. Finally, the patient is diagnosed with WD. Following treatment the patient improved in his general condition, and no more episodes of fever neither thrombosis appeared during a follow-up of more than 3 years.
Insights
Whipple's disease (WD) can cause recurrent blood clots, even with anticoagulation. Early diagnosis and treatment of WD resolved fever and thrombosis in a rare case.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Whipple's disease (WD) is a rare systemic infection with diverse clinical presentations.
- Thrombotic events are infrequently associated with WD, typically presenting as stroke-like syndromes.
Observation:
- A 39-year-old male experienced recurrent fevers, generalized adenopathy, and multiple superficial and deep venous thromboses over one year.
- The thrombotic events persisted despite multiple anticoagulation treatments.
Findings:
- The patient was ultimately diagnosed with Whipple's disease.
- Successful antibiotic treatment for WD led to complete resolution of fever and thrombotic episodes.
Implications:
- This case highlights an unusual presentation of Whipple's disease involving significant thrombotic manifestations.
- It underscores the importance of considering WD in patients with unexplained recurrent thrombosis and fever.
- Effective treatment of Whipple's disease can resolve associated thrombotic complications.
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