[Endemic sprue: its first diagnosis based on bleeding complications]

A 47-year-old man without previously known illness was admitted to hospital because of acute haematomas in the legs: the history revealed no cause. The pale-looking patient reported having large and foul-smelling stools once or twice daily. There were large haematomas and swellings on both legs. His general and nutritional state was reduced. "Bleeding of unknown origin" was suspected at this time.

Haemoglobin concentration was 5.6 g/dl, while iron was normal and ferritin reduced. Quick value was below 5%, activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged to 180 s. Vitamin A and E concentrations were reduced; coumarin derivatives were not demonstrated in blood. Abdominal ultrasonography showed clearly thickened intestinal walls.

Four units of erythrocyte concentrate were immediately administered, together with 2000 IU factors II, VII, X and anti-haemophilic factor B (PPSB), and 10 mg vitamin K intravenously. As intestinal malabsorption was suspected, a vitamin A absorption test was performed: it indicated malabsorption. Upper intestinal endoscopy showed coeliac disease, as did a biopsy. The patient's state quickly improved after he had been given vitamins A, D, E and K and put on a gluten-free diet.

Coeliac disease can take a clinically unremarkable course for a long time and may finally become manifest through an isolated abnormality, such as bleeding.