A case of Tropheryma whipplei infective endocarditis of the aortic and mitral valves in association with psoriatic arthritis and lumbar discitis.

Whipple's disease is a chronic condition that is characterized by diarrhea, weight loss and arthropathy, and caused by infection with the fastidious bacterium Tropheryma whipplei. Although once rare, Whipple's disease is being increasingly described owing mainly to advances in molecular genetics and an improved isolation of the organism. Whilst cardiac Whipple's disease occurs less commonly, especially in the absence of gastrointestinal symptoms, it has become apparent that some cases of culture-negative endocarditis may well be attributable to T. whipplei. The case is reported of a patient with Whipple's disease endocarditis in association with psoriatic arthritis and lumbar discitis.