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[Celiac disease with occipital calcifications: 2 late cases]
M Baquero1, M L Narciso, M García
1Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitari La Fe, Valencia.
Medicina Clinica
|December 8, 1995
Summary
Celiac disease can present with neurological symptoms like epilepsy and occipital calcifications in adulthood. Early diagnosis through antibody tests and imaging is crucial for managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder typically presenting with malabsorption.
- A known association exists between celiac disease, epilepsy, and occipital calcifications, often manifesting in early life.
Observation:
- Two adult cases of celiac disease with occipital calcifications and neurological symptoms are presented.
- Case 1: A 40-year-old male with monoparesis and abdominal pain, diagnosed with celiac sprue.
- Case 2: A 53-year-old female with progressive myoclonus, ataxia, seizures, and a 20-year history of celiac sprue.
Findings:
- Both patients exhibited bilateral occipital calcifications on CT scans.
- Celiac disease was confirmed via biopsy in both individuals.
- MRI revealed white matter alterations in one patient.
Implications:
- Celiac disease with cerebral calcifications can manifest atypically in adulthood.
- Non-invasive antibody testing (antigliadin, antiendomysium) aids diagnosis.
- CT imaging provides characteristic findings for this association.