Neuropediatrics 1998; 29(3): 155-158
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-973553
Short communications

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Coeliac Disease Associated with Peripheral Neuropathy in a Child: A Case Report

A. Simonati1 , P. A. Battistella2 , C. Guariso2 , M. Clementi2 , N. Rizzuto1
  • 1Department of Neurological and Visual Sciences, Section of Clinical Neurology University of Verona
  • 2epartment of Paediatrics University of Padua, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
12 March 2007 (online)

Abstract

Clinical features and pathological findings of sural nerve biopsy are reported of a 3-year-old child affected with coeliac disease who developed a progressive polyneuropathy, unresponsive to a gluten-free diet, nor to vitamin E and folic acid supply. There was no evidence of malabsorption, nor of blood factor deficiency, nor of metabolic abnormalities which might account for the neuropathy. A sural nerve biopsy showed marked loss of myelinated fibres without evidence of regenerative phenomena. Distal involvement and features of nerve pathology are consistent with a "dying-back" mechanism to underlie the nerve damage. The lack of response to a gluten-free diet suggests that direct toxicity of gliadin is not implicated.

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