Occipital Epilepsy With Subcortical Atrophy in Celiac Disease: A Case Report
Alionka Bostan1, Chiara Mabiglia1, Adraa Nouini1
1Department of Neurology (AB, AN, HV, B. Dachy), Brugmann University Hospital; Neuroradiology Clinic (CM), Medical Imaging Department, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium; and Inkendaal Rehabilitation Hospital and Université Libre de Bruxelles (B. Dan).
Abstract:
We report a 50-year-old man with celiac disease who presented with occipital epilepsy. Brain MRI showed right occipital subcortical white matter hyperintensities, consistent with the posterior epileptic focus suggested by the clinical features of the seizures and documented on EEG. Shortly after the introduction of a gluten-free diet, the white matter abnormalities resolved. The patient went on to develop simultagnosia. Follow-up MRI showed right occipital lobe atrophy. This report emphasizes the importance of recognizing gluten-associated neurologic manifestations and usefulness of thegluten-free diet.
