Splanchnic haemodynamics in patients with coeliac disease: effects of a gluten-free diet.
BACKGROUND
Coeliac disease is characterized by structural and functional changes in the small bowel which may also result in haemodynamic changes.


OBJECTIVE
To establish whether splanchnic haemodynamics can be modified by a gluten-free diet.


METHODS
Ten coeliac patients and 10 paired healthy subjects.


METHODS
Echo-Doppler measurements were made of splanchnic vessels both fasting and after a standard meal before and after 9 months of a gluten-free diet.


RESULTS
In comparison to controls, coeliac patients had higher superior mesenteric artery blood velocity and flow, with lower resistance indexes and higher portal vein velocity and flow, particularly 3 h after a meal. Postprandial hyperaemia was reduced and delayed in time. Intrasplenic resistance indexes were also significantly lower both fasting and after a meal. After 9 months of a gluten-free diet, no significant differences were observed between coeliac patients and controls, both fasting and after a meal.


CONCLUSIONS
Splanchnic haemodynamics is significantly changed in coeliac patients, mainly after a meal. On treatment with a gluten-free diet, both fasting and postprandial haemodynamics became normal.
Magalotti
D
D
Department of Internal Medicine, Cardioangiology, Hepatology, University of Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
Volta
U
U
Bonfiglioli
A
A
Ramilli
S
S
Berzigotti
A
A
Zoli
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler; D005215:Fasting / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005983:Glutens / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D006940:Hyperemia / Q000503:physiopathology; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply; D008297:Male; D017538:Mesenteric Artery, Superior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D019518:Postprandial Period / Q000502:physiology; D011673:Pulsatile Flow / Q000502:physiology; D013152:Splanchnic Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D013154:Spleen / Q000098:blood supply; D013997:Time Factors; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000502:physiology
D005983:Glutens