Dilated cardiomyopathy associated with celiac disease: A case report.

BACKGROUND

Celiac disease, an immune-mediated inflammation of the small intestine, occurs in genetically predisposed individuals, and is caused by sensitivity to dietary gluten and related proteins. The global prevalence is approximately 1%. Celiac disease is frequently associated with extra-intestinal manifestations, including iron deficiency anemia, dermatologic eruptions, type 1 diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, and connective tissue disorders, but is rarely associated with cardiomyopathy.

CASE PRESENTATION: Our case describes a 33-year-old woman, who presented with exertional dyspnea and fatigue, and was diagnosed with severe iron deficiency anemia and dilated cardiomyopathy, secondary to celiac disease.

CONCLUSION

High clinical suspicion is needed to identify celiac disease in patients diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, as an improvement in cardiac function has been reported with strict adherence to a gluten-free diet.