Review for 10.1186/s12876-021-01664-1 (2021)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Whipple's Disease: the great masquerader. A high level of suspicion is the
key to diagnosis
Version: 
0 
Date: 
05 Nov 2020
Reviewer's report:
In this search the AA report a small series cases 
of three patients affected by
Whipple's disease.
The study is of clinical interest in dependence to lowest prevalence of these
disease.
Patient's 
history shares by a very delayed and difficult histological diagnosis
after misdiagnosis of hematological or rheumatological diseases and after long
term steroid /NSAID/anti-reumatological based treatments.
Minor 
criticisms
In all cases 
celiac disease's assessment 
by 
antibodies panel 
was not considered in
spite to gastrointestinal symptoms. 
This aspect would be discussed. 
All patients take long steroid/NSAID/antirheumatic therapies. 
It is reported that
these treatments 
worse the course of the diseases with gastrointestinal symptoms
appearance, allowing and shorting a correct endoscopic diagnosis (De Francesco
V, et al. Journal Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases. 2018: 27: 331-36). This
finding could be reported. 
The study can be considered 
for publication with discretionary revision. 
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Is the study design appropriate to answer the research question (including the use
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