Two consecutive cases of mycotic aneurysms resulting from Whipple disease

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Vascular Surgery
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Whipple disease is a rare multisystemic infection caused by *Tropheryma whipplei*.
• Classical symptoms include diarrhea, malabsorption, and weight loss.
• Vascular complications are uncommon, typically arising from endocarditis-related emboli.

Observation:

• This report details two consecutive cases of Whipple disease presenting with mycotic pseudoaneurysms.
• These vascular complications were isolated and not associated with endocarditis.
• The pseudoaneurysms were successfully treated with vascular reconstruction.

Findings:

• Successful surgical management of mycotic pseudoaneurysms secondary to Whipple disease.
• Autologous vein grafting proved effective for vascular reconstruction in these cases.
• Demonstrates an unusual but treatable vascular manifestation of *Tropheryma whipplei* infection.

Implications:

• Highlights the potential for isolated vascular complications in Whipple disease.
• Suggests that vascular reconstruction with autologous grafts is a viable treatment option.
• Expands understanding of the diverse clinical presentations of *Tropheryma whipplei* infections.