[Dilated cardiomyopathy and atrio-ventricular block in coeliac disease. Two case reports]

S Ouali1, S Chabrak, N Larbi

  • 1Service de cardiologie, hôpital La Rabta, Tunis, Tunisie. sana.ouali@gnet.tn

Archives Des Maladies Du Coeur Et Des Vaisseaux
|October 24, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Celiac disease can manifest as heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy and heart block, even without digestive symptoms. Testing for celiac disease is crucial for unexplained cardiac issues, and a gluten-free diet may improve heart function.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder typically associated with gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Cardiac manifestations of celiac disease are rare and not well-documented.

Observation:

  • Two cases of celiac disease presenting with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and complete heart block were observed.
  • Neither patient exhibited typical digestive symptoms of celiac disease.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis of celiac disease was confirmed by antiendomysial antibodies (AEA) and duodenal biopsy.
  • A gluten-free diet led to improved cardiac function in one patient.
  • The gluten-free diet did not improve atrioventricular conduction in the affected patient.

Implications:

  • These cases suggest a potential link between celiac disease and cardiac conditions like cardiomyopathy and heart block.
  • Screening for celiac disease using antibody tests (antiendomysial and antigliadin) is recommended for patients with unexplained cardiac abnormalities.
  • Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of cardiac involvement in celiac disease and the impact of dietary interventions on cardiac performance.

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