Splanchnic haemodynamics in patients with coeliac disease: effects of a gluten-free diet

Abstract

Background: Coeliac disease is characterized by structural and functional changes in the small bowel which may also result in haemodynamic changes.

Aims: To establish whether splanchnic haemodynamics can be modified by a gluten-free diet.

Patients: Ten coeliac patients and 10 paired healthy subjects.

Methods: Echo-Doppler measurements were made of splanchnic vessels both fasting and after a standard meal before and after 9 months of a gluten-free diet.

Results: In comparison to controls, coeliac patients had higher superior mesenteric artery blood velocity and flow, with lower resistance indexes and higher portal vein velocity and flow, particularly 3 h after a meal. Postprandial hyperaemia was reduced and delayed in time. Intrasplenic resistance indexes were also significantly lower both fasting and after a meal. After 9 months of a gluten-free diet, no significant differences were observed between coeliac patients and controls, both fasting and after a meal.

Conclusions: Splanchnic haemodynamics is significantly changed in coeliac patients, mainly after a meal. On treatment with a gluten-free diet, both fasting and postprandial haemodynamics became normal.