Undiagnosed celiac disease in a patient with polyarthritis: Case Report

Abstract

Celiac disease is one of the most common autoimmune diseases with a prevalence of 0.5 to 1% of the total population. Diagnosis has increased in recent years, but many cases of the disease still seem to be diagnosed late. Although the rheumatic manifestations of celiac disease are not uncommon, they are often overlooked. The patient was a 30-year-old woman with swelling of the joints of the fingers and knees who referred to the rheumatology clinic of vali-asr Hospital in Birjand. For the past 2 years, despite treatment with corticosteroids and anti-rheumatic drugs that modulate the immune system, migratory inflammatory arthritis was still present. Serologic tests for celiac disease were performed for the patient and she underwent endoscopy and duodenal biopsy. The diagnosis of celiac disease was confirmed for the patient. With a gluten-free diet, joint symptoms improved significantly. Rheumatologic manifestations of celiac disease can be the primary symptoms of the disease, with the gluten-free diet prescribed for these patients to a large extent relieve symptoms.