Wither away: Weight loss and persistent inflammation in a woman with Whipple’s disease

A 58-year-old female patient was referred to our department with a one-year history of markedly elevated inflammatory markers and progressive anemia. Her chief complaint was a progressive weight loss of 14 kg within ten months accompanied by decreased appetite, as well as recurrent oral aphthous stomatitis, dyspnea on exertion and occasionally mild fevers up to 38.3°C. She denied any diarrhea or current joint symptoms. Thirteen years ago, she was diagnosed with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.