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[Case report: celiac disease]
Gradimir Bojković1, Zorica Caparević, Vesna Ilić
1KBC Dr Dragisa Misović-Dedinje, 11000 Beograd, Heroja Milana Tepića 1.
Medicinski Pregled
|April 26, 2003
Summary
Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder caused by gluten intolerance, can lead to malabsorption and bone density loss. Early diagnosis and a strict gluten-free diet are crucial for managing symptoms and preventing complications.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten intolerance, leading to small intestinal villous atrophy.
- It is characterized by malabsorption, hereditary factors, and immune-mediated damage to the small intestine.
- Diagnosis involves clinical suspicion, laboratory tests, X-rays, and biopsy confirming flat mucosa responsive to a gluten-free diet.
Observation:
- A case report details a 23-year-old female with osteomalacia and secondary osteoporosis due to undiagnosed celiac disease.
- The patient presented with short stature, steatorrhea, anemia, weight loss, and chronic bone pain.
- Diagnostic workup, including jejunal biopsy, confirmed gluten intolerance and malabsorption.
Findings:
- A gluten-free diet and nutritional supplementation led to clinical remission in the patient.
- Untreated celiac disease can cause significant bone density reduction (osteoporosis and osteomalacia) due to impaired calcium absorption.
- Even asymptomatic individuals with celiac disease are at risk for serious complications.
Implications:
- Small intestinal biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing celiac disease.
- A lifelong gluten-free diet is the only effective treatment, essential for healing intestinal damage and preventing long-term complications.
- Awareness of potential complications like bone density loss is critical for managing celiac disease patients.