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Multiple immune disorders in unrecognized celiac disease: a case report
Giorgio La Villa1, Pietro Pantaleo, Roberto Tarquini
1Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze, Italy.
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|June 12, 2003
Summary
Undiagnosed celiac disease can cause various immune-related issues affecting organs beyond the gut. A gluten-free diet successfully resolved these extraintestinal manifestations in a patient.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion.
- Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) are common but often overlooked in celiac disease.
- EIMs can involve various organ systems due to immune dysregulation.
Observation:
- A female patient presented with unrecognized celiac disease.
- She exhibited multiple EIMs including macroamylasemia, macrolipasemia, IgA nephropathy, and thyroiditis.
- Presence of anti-b2-glycoprotein-1 antibodies was also noted.
Findings:
- The patient's EIMs were primarily linked to a deranged immune function.
- Implementation of a strict gluten-free diet led to the resolution or improvement of these manifestations.
- Specific markers like macroamylasemia, macrolipasemia, and anti-b2-glycoprotein-1 antibodies normalized.
Implications:
- This case highlights the systemic impact of undiagnosed celiac disease.
- It underscores the importance of considering celiac disease in patients with unexplained immune-related EIMs.
- Dietary gluten withdrawal can effectively manage diverse extraintestinal autoimmune conditions associated with celiac disease.