Unexplained polyarthralgia and celiac disease

Joint Bone Spine. 2008 May;75(3):325-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2007.05.016. Epub 2007 Oct 15.

Abstract

Celiac disease is an immunological disorder whose best-known manifestations are gastrointestinal symptoms. However, early joint manifestations are common and frequently overlooked features of celiac disease. We report a case in which unexplained inflammatory polyarthralgia and iron-deficiency anemia led to the diagnosis of celiac disease. Autoimmune thyroiditis was also a feature. Early diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease protect patients against complications such as digestive neoplasis. A simple and rapid tool for achieving the early diagnosis is the measurement of the serum of anti-gliadin, anti-endomysial and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies. However, a duodenal biopsy remains the only means of making the definitive diagnosis of celiac disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / etiology
  • Arthralgia / etiology*
  • Celiac Disease / complications
  • Celiac Disease / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans