[Tropical sprue as a differential diagnosis to coeliac disease in a patient on immunosuppressive medication]

A Danish woman who was on immunosuppressive medication due to a previous liver transplantation travelled to Indonesia for three weeks. After returning she developed nonfebrile severe, watery diarrhoea, dehydration and malnutrition. A thorough examination revealed small intestine changes, which were compatible with coeliac disease. However, the HLA-type and the serology did not support this diagnosis. Treatment for tropical sprue was initiated, resulting in complete remission. Tropical sprue is suggested to be an infectious disease. It is usually seen in people with prolonged stay in tropical areas, but this patient's medication may have predisposed her.