IJERPH, Vol. 14, Pages 855: Unusual Onset of Celiac Disease and Addison’s Disease in a 12-Year-Old Boy

IJERPH, Vol. 14, Pages 855: Unusual Onset of Celiac Disease and Addison’s Disease in a 12-Year-Old Boy

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph14080855

Authors: Francesco Miconi Emanuela Savarese Giovanni Miconi Gabriele Cabiati Valentina Rapaccini Nicola Principi Susanna Esposito

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder deriving from an aberrant adaptive immune response against gluten-containing grains in genetically predisposed subjects. In a number of patients, CD is associated with one or more other autoimmune diseases. Primary Addison’s disease (AD) and CD may co-exist, although this association is relatively uncommon in children. In addition, it is not precisely defined whether a gluten-free diet influences the course of AD. Case presentation: A case of CD in a 12-year-old boy presenting as acute adrenal insufficiency is described here. A gluten-free diet had a significant therapeutic role in this case, wherein most of the clinical signs and symptoms of AD disappeared in a few days. In addition, the dosage of cortisol acetate, initially administered to treat the AD, was able to be rapidly reduced. Conclusion: This case highlights that CD can be associated with AD in children, and a gluten-free diet seems to positively influence the course of AD.

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