The Co-existence of Celiac Disease and Neurofibromatosis Type 1 in an African-American Child

Abstract

A 7-year-old African-American (AA) boy with Neurofibromatosis type l (NF l) was seen in the pediatric endocrine clinic for developing breast buds. It was noted that his growth had been decelerating for the previous several years. Investigations for his growth failure included serologic screening for CD. This was abnormal and biopsies of the duodenum were consistent with CD. This is the first pediatric case of the association of NF l and CD reported in a pediatric patient. Both diseases may cause growth failure. Furthermore, the incidence of CD in AA is very uncommon as compared to Caucasians. CD should be considered in AA with symptoms of CD.