[Celiac disease associated with major thalassemia. A case report]

The spectrum of clinical manifestations of coeliac disease, the most common chronic intestinal disorder in children, has widened considerably over the past years and new associations with other diseases, both immunological and non-immunological, have been described. AGA and EMA have proved to be an efficient screening method both in populations with gastrointestinal pathologies and in groups of pauci- or even asymptomatic subjects. The clinical picture of beta-thalassemia has gradually altered over the years owing to improved treatment. However, growth is still affected in a considerable proportion of thalassemic patients. A number of hormonal and other causes, combined in varying ways, contribute to determining this clinical condition. The authors report a case of coeliac disease in an adolescent with thalassemia major characterised by anorexia, arrest of weight gain and low stature. The identification of a new association between coeliac disease and thalassemia major highlights the need to search for this pathology in all thalassemic patients who present scarce growth in stature and weight.