Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
[Dilated cardiomyopathy in celiac disease: report of one case]
José Luis Winter Del R1, Luigi Gabrielli N, Douglas Greig
1Departamento de Anatomía Patológica, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Insights
Celiac disease may cause heart failure in some patients. A gluten-free diet led to significant recovery for a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and suspected celiac disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious heart condition with various potential causes.
- An increased incidence of celiac disease has been observed in patients with DCM, suggesting a possible link.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old female presented with heart failure due to DCM of unknown origin.
- She experienced recurrent hospitalizations for decompensated heart failure over five months.
- Intermittent diarrhea and weight loss prompted suspicion of celiac disease.
Findings:
- Diagnostic tests revealed positive antiendomysial antibodies and villous atrophy in the duodenal mucosa, confirming celiac disease.
- Following the initiation of a gluten-free diet, the patient showed remarkable improvement in functional capacity.
- A follow-up echocardiogram demonstrated normalization of left ventricle size and systolic function within one month.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering celiac disease in patients with idiopathic DCM, especially those with gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Dietary management, specifically a gluten-free diet, can potentially reverse cardiac dysfunction in such cases.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms linking celiac disease and DCM.
Abstract:
There is an increased incidence of celiac disease in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. We report a 4 7 year-old female presenting with heart failure secondary to dilated cardiomyopathy of unknown etiology. During the five months following the first hospitalization the patient had multiple hospital admissions due to decompensate heart failure. Due to a history of intermittent diarrhea and weight loss, a celiac disease was suspected. Antiendomysial antibodies were positive and there was a villous atrophy in duodenal mucosa. A gluten free diet was started with a concomitant recovery of her functional capacity. After one month of gluten free diet a new echocardiogram showed a normal left ventricle and systolic function.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Other Disorders of Digestive System
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
