Subclinical neurological abnormalities in children with celiac disease receiving a gluten-free diet.

OBJECTIVES

Because clinically evident manifestations are frequent in adults with celiac disease (CD), we aimed to investigate whether early neurological abnormalities may be detected in children with CD.

METHODS

Electroencephalography, electromyography, and somatosensory evoked potentials were performed in children with CD receiving a gluten-free diet.

RESULTS

The neurophysiological tests revealed subclinical neurological abnormalities associated with CD in 3 (11%) of 27 children: 2 had peripheral polyneuropathy documented with electromyography, and 1 had prolonged latencies in somatosensory evoked potential. Magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormalities in 2 (7.4%) of children: pontine demyelinization in 1 and cortical atrophy in the other.

CONCLUSIONS

Because the rate of neurological problems is increased in children with CD, neurological abnormalities should be carefully investigated early after the diagnosis of CD is made.