[Celiac crisis and acute tetany in pediatrics. Case report]

Agustina Del Rosario Sbruzzi1, Federico Torres1, Horacio Sommaruga2

  • 1Hospital General de Niños Pedro de Elizalde. Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Insights

Celiac crisis, a severe form of celiac disease, presents with acute malnutrition and metabolic issues. Early diagnosis requires high suspicion due to its potentially fatal presentation.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Celiac disease is an immune-mediated condition with diverse clinical manifestations.
  • Celiac crisis represents an acute, life-threatening presentation of celiac disease.
  • Characterized by severe diarrhea, dehydration, and metabolic derangements.

Observation:

  • A 7-year-old male presented with tetany, edema, steatorrhea, and weight loss.
  • Laboratory findings revealed hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, and coagulopathy.
  • Symptoms had an 8-month duration prior to admission.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis of celiac crisis was established based on clinical and serological evidence of celiac disease.
  • Severe metabolic abnormalities and acute malnutrition were key diagnostic factors.
  • Pathological anatomy confirmed the diagnosis.

Implications:

  • Highlights the critical need for a high index of suspicion in diagnosing celiac crisis.
  • Underscores the severe systemic impact of untreated or undiagnosed celiac disease.
  • Emphasizes the importance of recognizing celiac crisis as a medical emergency.

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