Celiac-associated peptic disease at upper endoscopy: how common is it?

OBJECTIVE

Recently, several publications in adults have shown an increased incidence of non-Helicobacter pylori (HP), non-non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) peptic disease (PD). There are only a few case reports linking celiac disease (CD) to PD. We therefore aimed to review our experience of CD presenting with PD.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all the endoscopies performed for children and young adults diagnosed with CD between 1 January, 2004 and 31 October, 2008. The diagnosis of CD was based on accepted guidelines. Patients with a doubtful diagnosis of CD were excluded.

RESULTS

We had 240 patients with the diagnosis of CD. We had 29 (12.0%) patients [15 males (52%), 14 females (48%)] for whom the diagnosis of PD was ascertained. The age range was 1-50 years (mean 16.9 +/- 12.1 years). Twenty-three of the 29 patients (79%) were HP-negative. Duodenal PD was noted in 22 patients (76%) and 16 (73%) were HP-negative. Gastric PD was noted in eight patients (28%) and 7 (87%) were HP-negative. The PD group was significantly older at diagnosis (p < 0.001) compared to the whole CD group.

CONCLUSIONS

PD is not uncommon in the presentation of CD. It is more likely to be found in the second decade of life. CD should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with non-HP PD and we suggest routine CD serology and small bowel biopsy in patients with unexplained PD.