[Celiac disease in adults revealed by sensory-motor neuropathy].
Central or peripheral nervous system complications are occasionally observed in adult patients with celiac disease. Several mechanisms have been proposed including vitamin deficiency, vascular inflammation and a direct effect of gluten intolerance. Typical nerve fiber damage due to demyelinization has been suggested. We observed a 65-year old woman with a right peroneal nerve palsy superimposed on a diffuse peripheral neuropathy who was found to have folic acid deficiency which in turn led to the diagnosis of adult celiac disease. Electrophysiological and histological studies demonstrated a predominantly demyelinating peripheral neuropathy which responded first to parenteral folic acid supplementation and second to a gluten-free diet. The mechanisms of peripheral nerve damage in adult celiac disease are briefly discussed and the possible role of folic acid deficiency is emphasized.
Viader
F
F
Service de Neurologie, CHRU de Caen.
Chapon
F
F
Dao
T
T
Rivrain
Y
Y
Lechevalier
B
B
D000368:Aged; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005260:Female; D005494:Folic Acid Deficiency / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology*
Maladie coeliaque de l'adulte révélée par une neuropathie sensitivo-motrice.