Cystic fibrosis and celiac disease--multifaceted and similar
Nelly D Genkova1, Ivan V Yankov1, Miroslava N Bosheva1
1Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics
Insights
This report details a rare case of a child with both cystic fibrosis and celiac disease, highlighting the importance of screening for celiac disease in children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Genetics
Background:
- Celiac disease and cystic fibrosis share overlapping clinical symptoms, complicating diagnosis.
- The comorbidity of these two conditions is exceptionally rare, estimated at 1:200,000.
Observation:
- A case study of a 1-year-and-5-month-old child presenting with chronic diarrhea was investigated.
- The child exhibited symptoms suggestive of both cystic fibrosis and celiac disease.
Findings:
- Cystic fibrosis was diagnosed via pulmonogram and positive sweat tests, with malabsorption managed.
- Celiac disease was confirmed through immunological (anti-transglutaminase IgA antibodies) and histological tests, with symptom improvement on a gluten-free diet.
- This represents the first reported case of concomitant cystic fibrosis and celiac disease in a child in Bulgaria.
Implications:
- The findings underscore the necessity of considering celiac disease screening in pediatric patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of both conditions is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Celiac disease and cystic fibrosis share a number of clinical manifestations. The comorbidity rate of these diseases is low: 1:200000. We present a case of a child aged 1 year and 5 months, born to a mixed-marriage parents, with concomitant cystic fibrosis and celiac disease manifesting initially with chronic diarrhea. Diagnosis of cystic fibrosis was made on the basis of changes in pulmonogram and three positive sweat tests with the malabsorption managed. Celiac disease was demonstrated through immunological tests (serological test of anti-transglutaminase antibodies of IgA class), histological tests (altered duodenal mucosa) and the therapeutic effect of a gluten-free diet. This case is the first ever reported case of a child with concomitant cystic fibrosis and celiac disease in Bulgaria. The case suggests the need for targeted screening for celiac disease in children with cystic fibrosis.
Related Concept Videos
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
Cystic Fibrosis: Management
Sinus disease and chronic...
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...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis


