Abstract | BACKGROUND: Anti-endomysial antibodies (EmA) have been shown to have a high specificity and sensitivity in celiac disease (CD) diagnosis, and their use is considered effective in improving the diagnostic accuracy of CD screening. AIMS: To report the clinical details of transient IgA EmA positivity in a patient with Graves' disease. METHODS: RESULTS: None of the 48 patients in our study were positive for IgA and/or IgG-class AGA and none showed IgA deficiency. Only 1 patient was positive for EmA; however, intestinal biopsy in this subject was normal both when thyroiditis was first diagnosed and subsequently after 2 and 3 years. Furthermore, EmA became negative after 2 years. New gastroenterological investigations performed 3 years after the diagnosis confirmed the normal intestinal histology and absorption capacity. Moreover, AGA, EmA and tissue transglutaminase antibodies were negative. CONCLUSIONS: This study underlines the possibility of transient EmA positivity without any signs of CD in patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders.
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Authors | A Carroccio, N Custro, G Montalto, L Giannitrapani, M Soresi, A Notarbartolo |
Journal | Digestion
(Digestion)
1999 Jan-Feb
Vol. 60
Issue 1
Pg. 86-8
ISSN: 0012-2823 [Print] Switzerland |
PMID | 9892805
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Aged
- Biopsy
- Celiac Disease
(immunology)
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Gliadin
(immunology)
- Graves Disease
(immunology)
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin A
(immunology)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Myofibrils
(immunology)
- Time Factors
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