How is Whipples Disease Diagnosed?
Your doctor would perform the following tests to diagnose Whipple’s disease: • Endoscopy A flexible tube with camera and lights attached called an endoscope is used to visualize whitish-looking and damaged villi in the small intestine. A biopsy or tissue sample is taken at this point to confirm the diagnosis. • Physical exam Enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver and spleen, fever, abdominal tenderness, fluid in the belly and chest, as well as swollen feet are signs of Whipple’s disease that has spread to other organs in the body. • Stool sample Excess fat is a hallmark of malabsorption diseases, including Whipple’s disease. • Blood test Anemia and deficiencies in vitamins can be readily confirmed by a blood test.