[Whipple's disease--a rare cause of secondary amyloidosis].

Two cases of Whipple's disease with secondary amyloidosis are described. One patient had a nephrotic syndrome, the other malabsorption. The chronic inflammatory stimulus of Whipple's disease is discussed as a trigger for the development of secondary amyloidosis. The clinical symptoms of seronegative arthritis, weight loss, chronic diarrhea, intermittent fever and lymphadenopathy may be the clue to the diagnosis of Whipple's disease. Peroral intestinal biopsy is the diagnostic procedure of choice. Adequate antibiotic treatment with a regimen of penicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is indicated and prevents the development of secondary amyloidosis.