Fatal CNS vasculopathy in a patient with refractory celiac disease and lymph node cavitation

Cerebellar degeneration in gluten ataxia is linked to microglial activation

Gluten sensitivity has long been recognized exclusively for its gastrointestinal involvement; however, more recent research provides evidence for the existence of neurological manifestations that can appear in combination with or independent of the small bowel manifestations. Amongst all neurological manifestations of gluten sensitivity, gluten ataxia is the most commonly occurring one, accounting for up to 40% of cases of idiopathic sporadic ataxia. However, despite its prevalence, its neuropathological basis is still poorly defined. Here, we provide a neuropathological characterization of gluten ataxia and compare the presence of neuroinflammatory markers glial fibrillary acidic protein, ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, major histocompatibility complex II and cluster of differentiation 68 in the central nervous system of four gluten ataxia cases to five ataxia controls and seven neurologically healthy controls. Our results demonstrate that severe cerebellar atrophy, cluster of differentiation 20+ and cluster of differentiation 8+ lymphocytic infiltration in the cerebellar grey and white matter and a significant upregulation of microglial immune activation in the cerebellar granular layer, molecular layer and cerebellar white matter are features of gluten ataxia, providing evidence for the involvement of both cellular and humoral immune-mediated processes in gluten ataxia pathogenesis.

Cerebellar presence of immune cells in patients with neuro-coeliac disease

Although various neurodegenerative disorders have been associated with coeliac disease (CD), the underlying neuropathological link between these brain and gut diseases remains unclear. We postulated that the neuronal damage sporadically observed in CD patients is immune-mediated. Our aim was to determine if the loss of neurons, especially Purkinje cells, coincides with microglia activation and T- and B-cell infiltration in the cerebellum of patients with CD and a concomitant idiopathic neurological disease affecting the cerebellum (NeuroCD). Post-mortem cerebellar tissue was collected of validated NeuroCD cases. Gender- and age-matched genetic spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) controls and non-neurological controls (NNC) were selected based on clinical reports and pathological findings. Cerebellar tissue of seventeen patients was included (6 NeuroCD, 5 SCA, 6 NNC). In SCA cases we found that the Purkinje cell layer was 58.6% reduced in comparison with NNC. In NeuroCD cases this reduction was even more prominent with a median reduction of 81.3% compared to NNC. Marked increased numbers of both CD3+ and CD8+ cells were observed in the NeuroCD but not in SCA patients. This coincided with significantly more microglial reactivity in NeuroCD patients. These findings demonstrate that the massive loss of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of neuro CD patients is accompanied by local innate and T-cell mediated immune responses.

The Neuropathology of Autoimmune Ataxias

Autoimmune-mediated ataxia has been associated with paraneoplastic disease, gluten enteropathy, Hashimoto thyroiditis as well as autoimmune disorders without a known associated disease. There have been relatively few reports describing the neuropathology of these conditions. This review is an attempt to consolidate those reports and determine the ways in which autoimmune ataxias can be neuropathologically differentiated from hereditary or other sporadic ataxias. In most instances, particularly in paraneoplastic forms, the presence of inflammatory infiltrates is a strong indicator of autoimmune disease, but it was not a consistent finding in all reported cases. Therefore, clinical and laboratory findings are important for assessing an autoimmune mechanism. Such factors as rapid rate of clinical progression, presence of known autoantibodies or the presence of a malignant neoplasm or other autoimmune disease processes need to be considered, particularly in cases where inflammatory changes are minimal or absent and the pathology is largely confined to the cerebellum and its connections, where the disease can mimic hereditary or other sporadic ataxias.

The Neuropathology of Gluten-Related Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review

Gluten-related neurological disorders (GRND) represent a spectrum of neurological manifestations that are triggered by gluten. In coeliac disease, a T-cell mediated enteropathy is triggered by gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. The underlying pathological mechanism of the neurological dysfunction is not yet clear. The aim of this review is to collate existing neuropathological findings in GRND as a means of aiding the understanding of the pathophysiology. A systematic search of the Pubmed Database yielded 188 articles, of which 32 were included, containing 98 eligible cases with a description of pathological findings in GRND. In gluten ataxia, loss of Purkinje cells, atrophy, gliosis and astrocytosis were apparent, as well as diffuse lymphocytic infiltration and perivascular cuffing with lymphocytes. In patients with large-fiber neuropathy, nerve biopsies revealed axonopathy, loss of myelinated fibers and focal and perivascular infiltration by inflammatory cells. Inflammatory infiltrate was also observed in muscle in myopathy and in cerebrum of patients with encephalopathy and patients with epilepsy. Such changes were not seen in skin biopsies from patients with small fiber neuropathies. The findings from this systematic review suggest an immune mediated pathogenesis for GRND. Future research should focus on the characterization of the inflammatory cell infiltrates and identifying target epitopes.

Refractory celiac disease type II: An atypical case highlighting limitations of the current classification system

Refractory celiac disease (RCD) is a rare condition associated with high morbidity that develops in individuals with celiac disease. It is known to be biologically heterogeneous, and currently two types are recognized based on immunophenotypic and molecular features, type I (RCD I) and type II (RCD II). Differentiating between RCD I and RCD II is critical, as patients with RCD II have substantially worse outcomes and a high risk of developing enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma. However, the current RCD classification is limited in scope, and atypical presentations and immunophenotypes are not recognized at present. Herein, we describe a unique case of RCD II with atypical clinical (primarily neurologic manifestations and lack of significant gastrointestinal symptoms), histopathologic (no villous atrophy), immunophenotypic (virtual absence of cytoplasmic CD3 expression), and molecular features (absence of clonal TR rearrangement and identification of pathogenic STAT3 and KMT2D mutations). This case highlights limitations of the current RCD classification system and the utility of next generation sequencing (NGS) studies in the diagnostic workup of RCD. Future algorithms need to recognize extraintestinal manifestations and incorporate atypical histopathologic and immunophenotypic features, as well as results of NGS analysis for RCD II classification.

The characterisation and risk factors of ischaemic heart disease in patients with coeliac disease

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in patients with coeliac disease (CD), despite the patients' lack of traditional IHD risk factors.

AIM

To characterise IHD according to CD status.

METHODS

Data on duodenal or jejunal biopsies were collected in 2006-2008 from all 28 pathology departments in Sweden and were used to define CD (equal to villous atrophy; Marsh stage 3). We used the Swedish cardiac care register SWEDEHEART to identify IHD and to obtain data on clinical status and risk factors at time of first myocardial infarction for this case-only comparison. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). CD patients were compared with general population reference individuals.

RESULTS

We identified 1075 CD patients and 4142 reference individuals with subsequent IHD. CD patients with myocardial infarction had lower body mass index (P < 0.001) and cholesterol values (P < 0.001) and were less likely to be active smokers (OR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.56-0.98) than reference individuals with myocardial infarction. CD patients had less extensive coronary artery disease at angiography (any stenosis: OR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.66-0.97; three-vessel disease: OR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.57-0.94); but there was no difference in the proportions of CD patients with positive biochemical markers of myocardial infarction (CD: 92.2% vs. reference individuals: 91.5%, P = 0.766).

CONCLUSION

Despite evidence of an increased risk of IHD and higher cardiovascular mortality, patients with coeliac disease with IHD have a more favourable cardiac risk profile compared with IHD in reference individuals.

2D ultrasonography and contrast enhanced ultrasound for the evaluation of cavitating mesenteric lymph node syndrome in a patient with refractory celiac disease and enteropathy T cell lymphoma

Background

The cavitating mesenteric lymph node syndrome (CMLNS) is a rare manifestation of celiac disease, with an estimated mortality rate of 50%. Specific infections and malignant lymphoma may complicate its clinical course and contribute to its poor prognosis. Diagnosing the underlying cause of CMLNS can be challenging. This is the first report on contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) findings in enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) complicating CMLNS in a gluten-free compliant patient with persistent symptoms and poor outcome.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 51-year old Caucasian male patient, diagnosed with celiac disease and CMLNS. Despite his compliance to the gluten-free diet the symptoms persisted and we eventually considered the possible development of malignancy. No mucosal changes suggestive of lymphoma were identified with capsule endoscopy. Low attenuation mesenteric lymphadenopathy, without enlarged small bowel segments were seen on computed tomography. CEUS revealed arterial rim enhancement around the necrotic mesenteric lymph nodes, without venous wash-out. No malignant cells were identified on laparoscopic mesenteric lymph nodes biopsies. The patient died due to fulminant liver failure 14 months later; the histopathological examination revealed CD3/CD30-positive atypical T-cell lymphocytes in the liver, mesenteric tissue, spleen, gastric wall, kidney, lung and bone marrow samples; no malignant cells were present in the small bowel samples.

Conclusions

CEUS findings in EATL complicating CMLNS include arterial rim enhancement of the mesenteric tissue around the cavitating lymph nodes, without venous wash-out. This vascular pattern is not suggestive for neoangiogenesis, as arteriovenous shunts from malignant tissues are responsible for rapid venous wash-out of the contrast agent. CEUS failed to provide a diagnosis in this case.

Calcified cavitating mesenteric lymph node syndrome: case presentation and literature review

Cavitating mesenteric lymph node syndrome (CMLNS) is a rare complication of celiac disease. Globally, only 36 cases of CMLNS have been reported to date. The present article reports an incidence of its unique pathology and possible complications of celiac disease, followed by a review of the syndrome. A case involving a 51-year-old man with celiac disease who was referred to hospital because of a nontender abdominal mass is described. Plain film x-ray of the abdomen revealed fine curvilinear calcifications in the left lower quadrant. A complex, cystic-appearing, lobulated mass with somewhat echogenic walls most consistent with calcifications was revealed on subsequent ultrasound (US) imaging. Colour Doppler imaging showed no evidence of vascularity within the lesion. Computed tomography (CT) imaging showed a thin rim of calcification in the walls of multiple cystic components. Enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a mixed solid and cystic multiloculated mass, with fat-fluid layers originating from the root of the small bowel mesentery. A CT-guided biopsy was performed. The fine-needle aspirate revealed calcified matter with no associated cellular material. No malignant cells were seen; CMLNS was established as the diagnosis. To the authors' knowledge, there are no previous reports in the literature describing the finding of rim calcification on US or MR imaging in the setting of CMLNS. CMLNS is an important diagnosis to consider, particularly in patients with a history of celiac disease. The finding of rim calcification on US in the setting of cavitating mesenteric adenopathy should prompt further diagnostic imaging studies such as CT or MR imaging. These may lead to additional pathology studies such as a CT-guided biopsy to further characterize the lesion at the cellular level, to investigate potential malignancy and to further guide follow-up and patient management.

Mesenteric lymph node cavitation syndrome

The mesenteric lymph node cavitation syndrome consists of central necrosis of mesenteric lymph nodes and may occur with either celiac disease or a sprue-like intestinal disease that fails to respond to a gluten-free diet. Splenic hypofunction may also be present. The cause is not known but its development during the clinical course of celiac disease is usually indicative of a poor prognosis for the intestinal disorder, a potential for significant complications including sepsis and malignancy, particularly T-cell lymphoma, and significant mortality. Modern abdominal imaging modalities may permit earlier detection in celiac disease so that earlier diagnosis and improved understanding of its pathogenesis may result.

Coeliac disease and hearing loss: preliminary data on a new possible association

OBJECTIVE

Coeliac disease (CD), an autoimmune gluten-dependent enteropathy, can be associated with several extra-intestinal manifestations, including neurological disorders. At present, no data are available on the presence of hearing loss disorder in coeliac patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of hearing loss in coeliac patients compared with that in healthy controls.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-four adult coeliac patients and 24 healthy subjects matched for gender, age, smoking and drinking habits were enrolled in the study. Among the coeliac patients, 6 were newly diagnosed and 18 patients were on a gluten-free diet for at least one year.

RESULTS

A hearing loss was found in 10 (47.1%) coeliac patients and 2 (9.1%) healthy controls. All CD patients with hearing loss presented a sensorineural hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss was significantly higher in coeliac patients than in healthy controls (p = 0.01) but it was not significantly different between untreated (33.3%) and treated (44.4%) coeliac patients (p: NS).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the low number of subjects evaluated, the present study showed a higher prevalence of hearing loss in coeliac patients than in healthy controls, suggesting an association between CD and hearing loss. Immunological processes such as ear-specific and non-specific autoantibodies and vasculitis could be the basis of this association. Further longitudinal investigations on a larger sample size will be necessary to confirm the present data.

Hematologic manifestations of celiac disease

Celiac disease is a common systemic disorder that can have multiple hematologic manifestations. Patients with celiac disease may present to hematologists for evaluation of various hematologic problems prior to receiving a diagnosis of celiac disease. Anemia secondary to malabsorption of iron, folic acid, and/or vitamin B12 is a common complication of celiac disease and many patients have anemia at the time of diagnosis. Celiac disease may also be associated with thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, venous thromboembolism, hyposplenism, and IgA deficiency. Patients with celiac disease are at increased risk of being diagnosed with lymphoma, especially of the T-cell type. The risk is highest for enteropathy-type T-cell lymphoma (ETL) and B-cell lymphoma of the gut, but extraintestinal lymphomas can also be seen. ETL is an aggressive disease with poor prognosis, but strict adherence to a gluten-free diet may prevent its occurrence.