Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
Coeliac disease and hereditary haemochromatosis: association and implications
Amit Singhal1, Sulleman Moreea, Paul D Reynolds
1Integrated Department of Gastroenterology, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, West Yorkshire, UK. amitasinghal@hotmail.com
Insights
Coeliac disease and hereditary haemochromatosis, both genetic disorders, present paradoxically with altered iron absorption. This study examines their rare co-occurrence and impact on clinical presentation and potential genetic links.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Genetics
- Iron Metabolism Disorders
Background:
- Coeliac disease (gluten sensitive enteropathy) often causes iron deficiency anemia.
- Hereditary haemochromatosis, a common autosomal recessive disorder in Caucasians, leads to iron overload.
Observation:
- Presents two cases of patients with coeliac disease and hereditary haemochromatosis.
- Highlights the rare co-existence of these two distinct genetic conditions.
Findings:
- The co-occurrence of coeliac disease and hereditary haemochromatosis modifies the typical clinical presentation of each disorder.
- Investigates the potential genetic linkage between these two conditions affecting iron absorption.
Implications:
- Understanding this association is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of iron metabolism disturbances.
- Further research into shared genetic factors may elucidate complex interactions in iron absorption disorders.
Abstract:
Coeliac disease and hereditary haemochromatosis are genetic disorders paradoxically associated with altered intestinal absorption of iron. Hereditary haemochromatosis is the most common autosomal recessive disease in the Caucasian population and is characterised by an iron overload state. Coeliac disease, or gluten sensitive enteropathy, on the other hand is frequently associated with iron deficiency anaemia. We report the cases of two patients who developed both coeliac disease and hereditary haemochromatosis. We review the literature of this rare association and examine how the clinical presentation is modified by their co-existence and the potential genetic linkage of these two disorders.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction