Celiac Disease Initially Mis-Diagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Case Report.

Abstract

Background: The increasing availability of serological testing & upper endoscopy has led to more frequent diagnosis of celiac disease & recognition that it may mimic Irritable bowel syndrome.

Objective: The objective of the present case report is to describe the importance of screening those with vague abdominal symptoms (like patients with irritable bowel syndrome) and iron deficiency anemia for celiac disease.

Methods: We report the clinical course of a 30-year-old patient with vague abdominal symptoms initially misdiagnosed as having Irritable bowel syndrome; later on when he reviewed our clinic he was noted to have iron-deficiency anemia. On workup for the cause of iron deficiency anemia he was found to have celiac disease on basis of positive serological tests and small-bowel biopsy result. After being placed on gluten free diet plus iron supplement his abdominal symptoms and iron deficiency anemia was totally improved.

Conclusion:  Our case demonstrates that routine screening for celiac disease should highly be considered for patients with iron deficiency anemia and Irritable bowel syndrome.

Keywords: Celiac disease • Iron deficiency anemia. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).