Primary biliary cirrhosis and coeliac disease: an association?
The association of primary biliary cirrhosis and coeliac disease, not previously reported, was observed in 4 patients. In each case, the two conditions were diagnosed simultaneously, and although symptoms were due to coeliac disease, initial investigation drew attention to the liver condition. All the patients responded to a gluten-free diet and remain well 2 years later. Primary biliary cirrhosis remains asymptomatic in 3 patients, but pruritus has developed in the 4th. The significance of this association is unclear and may merit formal study. Coeliac disease should be considered as a possible cause of unexplained weight loss in primary biliary cirrhosis.
D000368:Aged; D001653:Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / Q000473:pathology; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007583:Jejunum / Q000473:pathology; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D008105:Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011168:Portal System / Q000473:pathology