An uncommon cause of recurrent strokes -: Tropheryma whippelii endocarditis

Background-Cardiac involvement in Whipple's disease is not an uncommon phenomenon in autopsies, but its clinical occurrence is often overshadowed by gastrointestinal symptoms. We report a very atypical manifestation of this disorder. Summary of Report - An extraordinary presentation of an extremely long-lasting, culture-negative endocarditis caused by Tropheryma whippelii is described, the clinical consequence of which has become apparent in recurrent strokes. Conclusions-Cardiac involvement of Whipple's disease should always be considered in culture and serologically negative endocarditis. The polymerase chain reaction technique may be a useful tool to confirm a presumed diagnosis of T whippelii endocarditis and consequently to apply an effective treatment regimen.