Tropical Sprue - Investigations

Investigations

Diagnosis of tropical sprue can be complicated because many diseases have similar symptoms. The following investigation results are suggestive:

• Abnormal flattening of villi and inflammation of the lining of the small intestine, observed during an endoscopic procedure.
• Presence of inflammatory cells (most often lymphocytes) in the biopsy of small intestine tissue.
• Low levels of vitamins A, B₁₂, E, D, and K, as well as serum albumin, calcium, and folate, revealed by a blood test.
• Excess fat in the feces (steatorrhoea).
• Thickened small bowel folds seen on barium swallow

Tropical sprue is largely limited to within about 30 degrees north and south of the equator. Therefore, if one resides outside of that geographical region, recent travel to the region is a key factor in diagnosing this disease.