Sonographic Presentation of the Celiac disease

Abstract

Celiac disease is an autoimmune clinical condition of the small intestine, effecting mostly genetically susceptible individuals. Celiac disease has a myriad of clinical signs and symptoms affecting multiple body systems. It is characterized by chronic diarrhea, weakness, anemia, short stature, osteoporosis, oral manifestation with hypo-genesis of teeth enamel, dermatitis and skin patches behavioral characteristics.

Objective: To find out the diagnosis of celiac disease through ultrasonography.

Case Presentation: This is a case report of a four year old child with a history of recurrent diarrhea, pale colour, and loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss, destruction of teeth, calcium deficiency, and weakness. Lab findings of the patient revealed that child was anemic having Hemoglobin 5.4, negative Rh (Rhesus) factor,  anti-transglutaminase-IgA 29.37U/ml. Sonographic findings revealed distended bowel loops with flakes of undigested food particles, increased peristalsis, multiple enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes. Doppler examination of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) was performed before and after ingestion of gluten free meal.

Conclusions: Ultrasonography with Doppler capability can be used with specific sonographic criteria to evaluate celiac disease.