Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
Unexplained polyarthralgia and celiac disease.
Karen Dawidowicz1, Hang-Korng Ea, Sophie Lahalle
1Rheumatology Federation, Lariboisière Teaching Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
Celiac disease, an immunological disorder, often presents with joint pain and anemia before gastrointestinal issues. Early diagnosis through antibody testing and biopsy is crucial to prevent complications like digestive cancers.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Celiac disease is an immunological disorder primarily known for gastrointestinal symptoms.
- However, early joint manifestations are common and often overlooked features.
Observation:
- This case report details unexplained inflammatory polyarthralgia and iron-deficiency anemia leading to a celiac disease diagnosis.
- Autoimmune thyroiditis was also noted as a co-occurring condition.
Findings:
- Early diagnosis of celiac disease is vital for preventing severe complications, including digestive cancers.
- Serological tests for anti-gliadin, anti-endomysial, and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies offer rapid diagnostic tools.
- A duodenal biopsy remains the gold standard for definitive celiac disease diagnosis.
Implications:
- Recognizing non-gastrointestinal symptoms like joint pain can expedite celiac disease diagnosis.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment mitigate risks of long-term complications.
- Integrating antibody screening into the workup for unexplained polyarthralgia and anemia is recommended.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Other Disorders of Digestive System
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
Autoimmune Disorders
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
