Gastrointestinal Pathology · Pathology

What is the characteristic histological finding in Whipple disease?

  1. Acid-fast bacilli with caseating granulomas in the submucosa
  2. Foamy PAS-positive macrophages filling the lamina propria
  3. Dense eosinophilic infiltration of the muscularis propria
  4. Multiple small bowel diverticula containing fecaliths
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Correct answer: Foamy PAS-positive macrophages filling the lamina propria

Whipple disease is caused by Tropheryma whipplei. The bacteria are contained within lysosomes of macrophages in the small intestinal villi, which stain strongly with Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) reagent.

Difficulty: Medium Question 12 of 20

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