Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
10:27
Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
Autoimmune thyroid disorders and coeliac disease
P Collin1, J Salmi, O Hällström
1Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Tampere, Finland.
European Journal of Endocrinology
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Autoimmune thyroid disorder patients show a higher frequency of undiagnosed coeliac disease (4.8%). Screening with specific antibody tests can detect subclinical cases, even without gastrointestinal symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Autoimmune thyroid disorders are common.
- Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten.
- The co-occurrence of these conditions is being investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of coeliac disease in patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of antibody screening for subclinical coeliac disease in this population.
Main Methods:
- Screening 83 patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders for coeliac disease using IgA-class reticulin, endomysium, and gliadin antibody tests.
- Utilizing biochemical malabsorption tests.
- Comparing findings with a control group of blood donors.
Main Results:
- A 4.8% frequency of coeliac disease was found in autoimmune thyroid disorder patients, including three asymptomatic individuals.
- One out of 25 patients with thyroid nodules also had coeliac disease.
- The prevalence in controls was significantly lower (0.4%).
Conclusions:
- Subclinical coeliac disease is more frequent in patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders.
- IgA-class antibody tests (gliadin, reticulin, endomysium) are effective screening tools when IgA deficiency is ruled out.
- Successful treatment was observed for both conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs. This results from an overactive immune response against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Let's delve into the concept and mechanism of autoimmune diseases from an immune system point of view, explore different causes and examples of such diseases, and discuss potential solutions.
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...
01:30Other Disorders of Digestive System
The gastrointestinal tract is susceptible to various disorders. If the lower esophageal sphincter is damaged, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the lining. This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (known as heartburn) and may cause chest pain and difficulty swallowing. In the stomach, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, chronic alcohol consumption, bacterial infections such as Helicobacter...
01:25Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
01:28Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
01:12Type I Diabetes I: Introduction
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...