Celiac disease and giardiasis: a case report

When investigating a patient with suspected celiac disease (CD), several other conditions must be considered, including potential infection with Giardia lamblia. Although giardiasis is rare, its histopathological and serological picture may resemble that of CD. We report the case of a young man with diabetes mellitus and a family history of CD referred to our hospital because of diarrhoea and weight loss. Investigation showed, among other factors, partial villous atrophy in duodenal biopsies and elevated immunoglobulin A antitissue transglutaminase antibodies. The patient was diagnosed with CD and recommended a gluten-free diet. At the same time, faecal tests were conducted, indicating the presence of G. lamblia. The patient was treated and improved, even after discontinuing the gluten-free diet. Subsequent follow-up after 6 months showed total regression of mucosal histopathology and a normal antitissue transglutaminase antibodies level. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 24:984-987 (c) 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.