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Coeliac disease in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis
U Volta1, G Ravaglia, A Granito
1Department of Internal Medicine, Cardioangiology, Hepatology, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Polyclinic, Bologna, Italy. uvolta@orsola-malpighi.med.unibo.it
Digestion
|September 11, 2001
Summary
Patients with autoimmune thyroiditis have a higher prevalence of coeliac disease. Antibody screening for coeliac disease (gluten-sensitive enteropathy) is recommended for these patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Autoimmune thyroid dysfunction is common.
- A known association exists between coeliac disease and autoimmunity.
- Screening for coeliac disease in autoimmune thyroiditis patients is warranted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of coeliac disease in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.
- To assess the utility of antibody screening for coeliac disease in this population.
Main Methods:
- Sera from 220 autoimmune thyroiditis patients, 50 controls with thyroid nodules, and 250 blood donors were tested.
- Tests included IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) and antiendomysial antibodies (EmA).
- Coeliac disease diagnosis was confirmed by duodenal biopsy.
Main Results:
- Coeliac disease was diagnosed in 7 (3.2%) patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.
- The prevalence of coeliac disease was significantly higher in autoimmune thyroiditis patients compared to blood donors (0.4%).
- IgA anti-tTG showed higher sensitivity than IgA EmA for coeliac disease detection.
Conclusions:
- Antibody screening for coeliac disease should be part of the routine evaluation for patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.
- Both IgA anti-tTG and EmA are useful, with IgA anti-tTG appearing more sensitive.
- Early detection of coeliac disease can prevent malabsorption and complications.