Recurrent small bowel obstruction in a 60-year-old celiac patient: a rare entity of a common disease

A 60-year-old woman with a medical history of celiac disease was evaluated due to recurrent episodes of small bowel obstruction. Upper and lower endoscopies were normal. The small bowel pathology consisted of celiac disease, and the anti-endomysial antibody was positive. Dilatation of small bowel loops was demonstrated on abdominal computed tomography. Further evaluation was conducted using video capsule endoscopy that demonstrated regional narrowing and severe ulceration in the middle of the small bowel. Upper and lower double balloon endoscopies failed to demonstrate the lesion. On explorative laparotomy a small bowel mass in the proximal ileum was excised. Pathology revealed ulcerated, well to moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma without regional nodal involvement. We discuss the etiology and treatment of small bowel carcinoma. This case emphasizes that a high level of suspicion is required in order to diagnose early stage small bowel adenocarcinoma in celiac patients.