Deep vein thrombosis risk has been associated with celiac disease. - GreenMedInfo Summary

INTRODUCTION: Cases of venous thrombosis associated with celiac disease have been rarely published. We report a case of celiac disease associated with deep venous thrombosis in the left leg.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 44-year-old man was admitted to the hospital due to diarrhea, which was present for three months. The diarrhea was present 5-6 times a day and was neither mucous nor bloody. Microscopic examination of feces was normal. No pathogenic microorganisms were isolated in culture. Esophagogastroduodenal endoscopy showed bulbar and post-bulbar mucosal granularity. Jejunal biopsy revealed flattening of mucosa and cellular infiltration of lamina propria with plasma cells and lymphocytes. The IgA anti-gliadin antibodies and IgA anti-endomisium antibodies were positive. The diagnosis of celiac disease was made and gluten-free diet was started. On the seventh day of hospitalization, a marked swelling, erythema and pain developed in the left leg. Doppler ultrasonographic examination revealed an acute thrombotic process in the left proximal venous system. Investigations for the causes of thrombotic status were negative. The long term outcome is favorable with gluten-free diet and warfarin treatment.

DISCUSSION: It should be kept in mind that there is a tendency toward thromboembolic events in patients with celiac disease, especially during an acute phase of the disease (Ref. 5). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.