Persistent bone pain may be a sign of coeliac disease

A 25 year old woman presented with a year-long history of bone pain, weight loss and weakness. She had cutaneous psoriasis and osteomalacia, as well as anaemia, calcium deficiency and pathological fracture, but no symptoms of coeliac disease (CD). Further investigations at the Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Hedi Chaker, Tunisia, revealed anti-glutaminase antibodies, and a biopsy of the duodenum confirmed histopathologic findings consistent with CD. The patient had a fast response to a gluten-free diet and calcium and vitamin D supplements.

This case study shows that CD can be misdiagnosed, leading to complications such as osteomalacia. Osteomalacia can also be the presenting symptom of CD.

Source: The Pan African Medical Journal

 

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