[Persistent diarrhea in rheumatic disease]

The case history of a 52-year-old male with weight loss, steatorrhea and arthritis is presented. During clinical pathological conference, Whipple's disease was strongly suggested. The diagnosis could be proved morphologically. Antibiotic therapy with tetracycline 1 g daily for three months caused a prompt improvement. Small bowel biopsy showed disappearance of PAS-containing macrophages.