Hepatic hemangioma in celiac patients: data from a large consecutive series
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Sara Massironi1, Federica Branchi2, Roberta Elisa Rossi2
1Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 28, 20122 Milan, Italy.
Insights
Celiac disease patients show a significantly higher prevalence of hepatic hemangioma (HH). This finding suggests a potential link between autoimmune disorders and liver conditions, warranting further investigation into underlying mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Hepatic hemangioma (HH) prevalence varies, with unclear etiology.
- Associations between HH and autoimmune disorders have been noted.
- The relationship between celiac disease and HH requires further evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hepatic hemangioma in patients with celiac disease.
- To compare HH prevalence in celiac patients versus a non-celiac control group.
- To investigate potential associations between celiac disease and HH.
Main Methods:
- Liver ultrasound was performed on 97 consecutive celiac disease patients.
- Findings were compared to 1352 non-celiac individuals without liver disease.
- Statistical analysis was used to compare prevalence rates between groups.
Main Results:
- Hepatic hemangioma was detected in 14.4% of celiac patients, significantly higher than controls (5.1%).
- Among women, HH prevalence was 16.4% in celiac patients versus 5.9% in controls.
- In celiac patients, HH typically presented as a single lesion (86%) with a median diameter of 1.3 cm.
Conclusions:
- Celiac disease is associated with a significantly higher prevalence of hepatic hemangioma.
- The mechanisms linking celiac disease and HH remain unclear.
- Potential factors include autoimmune processes, metabolic changes, and gut-liver axis alterations.
Abstract:
Background and Aims. Hepatic hemangioma (HH) has a widely ranging prevalence. The etiology is unclear; however, associations with autoimmune disorders have been described. We aimed at evaluating the prevalence of HH in celiac disease. Methods. Ninety-seven consecutive patients with celiac disease (18 M, 79 F, median age 41, and range 17-84 years) underwent liver ultrasound between January 2011 and 2012. The findings were compared with those of 1352 nonceliac patients (581 M, 771 F, median age 50, and range 16-94 years), without liver disease or previously detected HH, who underwent US in the same period. Results. Ultrasonographic findings consistent with HH were observed in 14 celiac patients (14.4%), a prevalence significantly higher than in controls (69 cases, 5.1%) (P = 0.0006). Subgroup analysis showed that, among women, the prevalence of HH was 16.4% in the celiac disease group (13/79) compared with 5.9% in controls (46/771) (P = 0.002). In celiac setting, HH had a median diameter of 1.3 cm and presented as a single lesion in 12 cases (86%). Conclusions. Our findings are consistent with a significantly higher prevalence of HH in celiac patients. Although mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear, autoimmune and metabolic processes, as well as alterations of gut-liver axis equilibrium, could play a role.
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