Reversible inflammatory and vacuolar myopathy with vitamin E deficiency in celiac disease

Muscle Nerve. 2005 Feb;31(2):260-5. doi: 10.1002/mus.20144.

Abstract

We report a patient with late-onset celiac disease and neurological manifestations including myopathy, polyneuropathy, and ataxia. Laboratory investigations showed anti-gliadin antibodies and severe vitamin E deficiency. Muscle biopsy revealed inflammatory infiltrates and rimmed vacuoles, similar to those found in inclusion-body myositis. A gluten-free diet and vitamin E supplementation reversed both the clinical neurological manifestations and the abnormalities in the muscle biopsy. Anti-gliadin antibodies were no longer present. This case illustrates the spectrum of neurological complications of celiac disease and documents the occurrence of reversible pathology resembling inclusion-body myopathy in the muscle.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Celiac Disease / complications
  • Celiac Disease / diet therapy*
  • Celiac Disease / pathology
  • Glutens / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myositis / complications
  • Myositis / diet therapy*
  • Myositis / pathology
  • Myositis, Inclusion Body / complications
  • Myositis, Inclusion Body / diet therapy*
  • Myositis, Inclusion Body / pathology
  • Vitamin E / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin E Deficiency / complications
  • Vitamin E Deficiency / diet therapy*
  • Vitamin E Deficiency / pathology

Substances

  • Vitamin E
  • Glutens