Whipple's disease: the role of duodenal biopsy in diagnosis and follow-up.

Blind suction small intestinal biopsy is still the classical method in establishing the diagnosis of Whipple's disease. Duodenal endoscopy with directed biopsy seems however to be a better alternative after the description, in recent years, of a characteristic endoscopic picture of Whipple's disease. In clinically suspected cases, biopsy from other parts of the small intestine may be rewarding if the duodenal biopsy is negative. A case of Whipple's disease, diagnosed by duodenal biopsy, is reported and the relevant literature is discussed.