Association between coeliac disease, epilepsy and brain atrophy
L Luostarinen1, P Dastidar, P Collin
1Department of Neurology, Tampere University Hospital and Institute of Medical Technology, University of Tampere, Finland. Liisa.luostarinen@phks.fi
European Neurology
|November 27, 2001
Summary
Patients with epilepsy have a higher risk of coeliac disease (CD). While CD is more prevalent in epilepsy patients, the combination with posterior cerebral calcifications is rare.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Epilepsy and coeliac disease (CD) share potential links, particularly with posterior cerebral calcifications.
- The prevalence and interplay of CD, epilepsy, and cerebral abnormalities in unknown etiology epilepsy cases require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of CD, brain atrophy, and cerebral calcifications in adult patients with epilepsy of unknown cause.
- To assess the association between these conditions and their diagnostic implications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 900 adult epilepsy patient records.
- Serological screening and small bowel biopsy for CD in 199 patients.
- CT scan analysis for cerebral calcifications and atrophy in 130 patients.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of definite CD was 2.5% (5/199), significantly higher than the general population (0.27%).
- Intracerebral calcifications were found in 8.5% (11/130) of patients, with 3 having posterior calcifications; none screened positive for CD.
- Brain atrophy was more common in patients with definite CD (80%) compared to those without CD (26%).
Conclusions:
- Coeliac disease is more prevalent in patients with epilepsy of unknown etiology.
- The co-occurrence of CD, epilepsy, and intracranial posterior calcifications is uncommon in the Finnish adult epilepsy population.
- Brain atrophy is associated with definite CD in epilepsy patients.
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