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Celiac disease and childhood stroke
Fiona C Goodwin1, R Mark Beattie, John Millar
1Department of Child Health, Southampton, United Kingdom.
Pediatric Neurology
|August 11, 2004
Summary
Celiac disease, a gut disorder, may cause childhood stroke. Testing for celiac disease, even without digestive symptoms, is crucial for diagnosing unexplained strokes in children.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Celiac disease is linked to various neurological issues, but stroke has not been a documented association.
- This case report focuses on a child experiencing recurrent transient hemiplegia.
Observation:
- Brain MRI revealed infarction, with abnormal transcranial Doppler and MR angiography findings.
- The child had minimal gastrointestinal symptoms but tested positive for celiac disease serology.
- A duodenal biopsy confirmed celiac disease.
Findings:
- Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies, key in celiac disease, may affect cerebral vasculature.
- This suggests an autoimmune vasculopathy mechanism in celiac disease.
- The study identified a potential link between celiac disease and stroke in a pediatric case.
Implications:
- Celiac disease is a treatable cause of cerebral vasculopathy.
- Pediatric stroke evaluation should include celiac disease screening, particularly antitissue transglutaminase antibody testing.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent recurrent cerebrovascular events.