Celiac disease, can it be a surgical emergency?

Abstract

There is great variability of clinical manifestations in celiac disease, predominating in childhood diarrhea, abdominal distension and pain, irritability or and failure to thrive. Patient 4 years old. Sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, malaise, striking abdominal distension and tension. Abdominal ultrasound is difficult to assess. TC scan show a significant expansion of colonic frame and small intestine. Conservative management was decided. Parents relate diarrhea and abdominal pain in the last months, anemia and raising transglutaminase IgA antibodies in analytical requested by his pediatrician. During admission diagnosis of celiac disease is complete. Although abdominal distension is a common finding in celiac patients, their presentation as acute abdomen is very unusual and suggests as a first option a medical-surgical emergency. The imaging allowed to adopt an expectant attitude and make a correct diagnosis