Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding persisting for a decade: a rare manifestation of a common disease

Abstract

Celiac disease commonly presents with diarrhea but variable presentation with anemia, osteoporosis, incidental recognition, and liver function abnormalities is also known. Overt blood
loss is uncommon in celiac disease. We present the case of a 60-year-old female who presented
with obscure gastrointestinal blood loss for more than a decade necessitating multiple transfusions
and was eventually diagnosed to have celiac disease. After introduction of gluten-free
diet, her symptoms improved and there has been no recurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Keywords celiac disease, capsule endoscopy, gastrointestinal bleeding

Ann Gastroenterol 2012; 25 (3): 271-273