Celiac Disease

[Trish__0__0]

  After 5 long years I have finally been diagnosed with celiac disease.Apart from all the gut problems,I had various neurological symptoms,and on the basis of lesions on my MRI scan,was also diagnosed as having mild MS.Could the gluten intolerance have caused these lesions?
  Thanks for your help
  Bat
Dear Trish,
Extraintestinal symptoms associated with celiac sprue can involve virtually every organ system and reflect the malabsorption of nutrients. Examples of these manifestations include: anemia, back pain due to vertebral compression fractures, easy bruising, absence of menstrual periods, muscle weakness or leg swelling (edema).
Furthermore, celiac sprue has been associated with several other disease processes. Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, IgA deficiency, thyroid disease, IgA nephropathy, ulcerative colitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, lymphocytic gastritis or colitis, Down's syndrome and dermatitis herpetiformis.
On the other hand, no definite association has been established between celiac sprue and multiple sclerosis.
I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568 our Referring Physicians' Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: celiac sprue, extraintestinal manifestations, disease associations