Heart transplantation in rapidly progressive end-stage heart failure associated with celiac disease

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Cardiology
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Genetics and Immunology

Background:

• Celiac disease is a chronic, immune-mediated enteropathy affecting genetically predisposed individuals, triggered by gluten ingestion.
• It affects approximately 1% of the global population, manifesting as malabsorption.
• Cardiomyopathy is an uncommon complication of celiac disease.

Observation:

• The authors report a rare instance of severe, progressive dilated cardiomyopathy.
• This condition occurred in a young female patient with a confirmed diagnosis of celiac disease.
• The cardiomyopathy advanced to a stage requiring heart transplantation.

Findings:

• This case represents the first documented instance of severe dilated cardiomyopathy linked to celiac disease requiring heart transplantation.
• The clinical presentation highlights a potentially severe extra-intestinal manifestation of celiac disease.
• The progression of cardiac dysfunction underscores the systemic impact of this autoimmune condition.

Implications:

• This case emphasizes the importance of considering cardiac complications in celiac disease patients, even in younger individuals.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms linking celiac disease and cardiomyopathy.
• Early recognition and management of cardiac involvement may improve outcomes for celiac disease patients with cardiovascular complications.