Coeliac disease associated with Sjögren's syndrome, renal tubular acidosis, primary biliary cirrhosis and autoimmune hyperthyroidism

Dig Liver Dis. 2004 Jul;36(7):489-91. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2003.10.022.

Abstract

Although coeliac disease may occur in patients affected by another immune-mediated disorder, its coexistence with multiple autoimmune diseases is not frequently described. We report here the case of a 45-year-old woman referred to our centre because of diarrhoea and weight loss, who had already received a diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis, Sjögren's syndrome and renal tubular acidosis. Following the development of diarrhoea we established the diagnosis of coeliac disease, based on the presence of anti-endomysium antibodies and a compatible duodenal biopsy. Despite gluten withdrawal she went on to develop an autoimmune hyperthyroidism. The patient tested positive for HLA DRB1*03 and DQB1*02. The association is unlikely to be casual and may be explained by autoimmune mechanisms, genetic susceptibility and favouring environmental factors commonly shared by the diseases of our patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acidosis, Renal Tubular / complications*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / complications*
  • Celiac Disease / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism / complications*
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / complications*
  • Middle Aged
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / complications*