Coeliac disease presenting atypically: A much wider spectrum

Trop Doct. 2021 Jul;51(3):309-314. doi: 10.1177/0049475521991348. Epub 2021 Feb 11.

Abstract

Atypical coeliac disease in young children is frequently missed when it presents atypically as non-gastrointestinal presentations to different specialties. There was a greater delay (54 months) in establishing the diagnosis in those with atypical coeliac disease (p < 0.001). No difference was observed in the mode of delivery or duration of breast feeding, but significant difference was observed between gestational age at birth (p < 0.001). Most cases showed stunted growth and underweight. Irritability, anaemia, rickets, dermatitis herpetiformis, alopecia and intussusception were other common predictors of atypical coeliac disease. Because of a myriad spectrum of non-gastrointestinal symptoms, at any age with diverse presentation, a high index of suspicion is therefore required.

Keywords: Atypical presentation; spectrum; subclinical celiac disease.

MeSH terms

  • Anemia / etiology
  • Celiac Disease / complications
  • Celiac Disease / diagnosis*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Rickets / etiology