Dermatitis herpetiformis presenting as ataxia in a child.

Abstract

Dermatitis herpetiformis and coeliac disease are gluten-sensitive diseases that share immunopathological mechanisms. Neurological disorders are reported in both diseases, being more frequent in coeliac disease. Dermatitis herpetiformis is rare in paediatric populations and only sporadic cases with neurological dysfunction are reported. Uncertainty exists as to whether early treatment may stop or reverse neurological symptoms. We describe here the case of a child presenting with a rash and ataxia, diagnosed with dermatitis herpetiformis, in whom neurological symptoms and signs regressed after treatment.

• Authors: Per Helsing, Hege Frøen
• Journal: Acta dermato-venereologica (Acta Derm Venereol) Vol. 87 Issue 2 Pg. 163-5 ( 2007) ISSN: 0001-5555 [Print] Sweden
• PMID: 17340026 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Glutens

Topics

• Ataxia (diagnosis, drug therapy, immunology)
• Celiac Disease (diagnosis)
• Child, Preschool
• Dermatitis Herpetiformis (diagnosis, drug therapy, immunology)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Glutens (metabolism)
• Humans
• Male