Journal Article

Cardiomyopathy Associated With Celiac Disease

Kamath, Patrick S., McBane, Robert D., Goel, Nisheeth K.

2005

Overview

Celiac disease or celiac sprue is predominantly a disease of the small intestine characterized by chronic malabsorption in genetically susceptible individuals who ingest grains containing gluten, such as wheat, barley, and rye. Although previously believed to be uncommon, celiac disease may be present in up to 1% of the general population. Celiac disease is associated frequently with iron deficiency anemia, dermatitis herpetiformis, selective IgA deficiency, thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, and various connective tissue disorders but is rarely associated with cardiomyopathy. We describe a patient with celiac disease associated with cardiomyopathy whose cardiac function improved substantially after treatment with a gluten-free diet. Cardiomyopathy associated with celiac disease is a serious and potentially lethal condition. However, with early diagnosis and treatment with a gluten-free diet, cardiomyopathy in patients with celiac disease may be completely reversible.

• Publisher: Elsevier Inc,Mayo Medical Ventures,Elsevier Limited
• Subject: Aged / Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers - therapeutic use / Biological and medical sciences / Cardiology. Vascular system / Cardiomyopathies - complications / Cardiomyopathies - diagnosis / Cardiomyopathies - therapy / Celiac disease / Celiac Disease - complications / Celiac Disease - diagnosis / Celiac Disease - diet therapy / Contraindications / Diagnosis, Differential / Diet - methods / Echocardiography / Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Follow-Up Studies / General aspects / Glutens / Heart / Humans / Losartan - therapeutic use / Male / Medical sciences / Myocarditis. Cardiomyopathies / Radiography, Thoracic / Tomography, X-Ray Computed