[Whipple disease. Report of a case with unusual therapeutic aspects].

Whipple's disease is a chronic systemic syndrome which typically involves small intestinal mucosa. There is no doubt today about its bacterial etiology and its good response to antibiotic therapy. A peculiar case is reported, in which the failure of a protracted corticosteroidal treatment is demonstrated and a particularly prompt endoscopic healing after therapy with cotrimoxazole is obtained. The value of duodenal biopsy in course of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in comparison with classic intraluminal jejunal biopsy is confirmed for the diagnosis of Whipple's disease.