Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 5, 2026

Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
Lithophagia as a clue for celiac disease: a case report and literature review
Mosayeb Shahryar1, Iraj Shahramian2, Seyed Mohsen Dehghani3
1Children and Adolescents Health Research Center, Zahedan Medical University, Zahedan, Iran.
Insights
Lithophagia, a form of pica, can be linked to Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) and Celiac Disease (CD). Treating CD with a gluten-free diet resolved lithophagia and IDA in a pediatric case.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Clinical Case Study
- Nutritional Deficiencies
Background:
- Lithophagia, a form of pica, is often associated with Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA).
- IDA is a common presenting sign of Celiac Disease (CD).
- This case highlights a pediatric patient with refractory IDA and lithophagia.
Abstract:
Lithophagia is a type of pica that might be resulted from Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) which is the frequent presenting signs of Celiac Disease (CD). A 5-year-old child with a two year history of the lithophagia with a, refractory IDA, abdominal distention and constipation. The child did not grow well and had failure to thrive. With suspicion to CD, TTg IgA level was measured and due to an incearse of TTg IgA level the patients were undergone esophagogastrodeudonoscpy and jejunal biopsy. The biopsy showed severe villous atrophy and an increase in limphoplasma cells. Biopsy confirmed diagnosis of CD and glutten free diet was initiated finally. Six months after diagnosis and commencing the gluten free diet, the lithophagia and constipation in patient eradicated completely. IDA and failure to thrive were improved and the level of TTg IgA was reached to the normal. The case demonstrated the relationship between lithophagia and CD in anemia. Therefore, in the same cases such as our case should be considered CD as the most important causes of lithophagia.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
Taste Buds and Receptors
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Lysosomal Hydrolases
Other Disorders of Digestive System
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
![Assessment of Gastric Emptying in Non-obese Diabetic Mice Using a [13C]-octanoic Acid Breath Test](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F50301.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
