Coeliac disease in patients with cerebellar ataxia of unknown origin.

BACKGROUND

Neurological symptoms of unknown origin are common in coeliac disease (CD). Evidence suggests that CD may also contribute to the development of idiopathic late-onset ataxia.

AIM: To evaluate the frequency of CD in patients with cerebellar ataxia of unknown origin.

METHODS

The medical files of adult patients with the diagnosis of cerebellar ataxia of unknown origin (n=44) were evaluated. Serum gliadin, endomysial, and serum tissue transglutaminase antibodies were used as screening tests for CD. Subjects with positive results were referred to small-bowel biopsy.

RESULTS

The frequency of CD was as high as 9.1% in all patients. A thorough interview and review of the patient files indicated alcohol abuse as a cause for cerebellar disease in almost half (45.5%) of our patients. When the cases with alcohol abuse were omitted, the calculated frequency of CD was 16.7% in patients with ataxia of unknown origin.

CONCLUSION

CD is a common association with cerebellar disease and the disease should be considered in all patients with ataxia of unknown origin.