Coeliac disease as a potential cause of idiopathic portal hypertension: a case report

Abstract

Idiopathic portal hypertension is a disorder that has various clinical features. It is mostly characterized by bleeding oesophageal varices, obvious splenomegaly, anaemia and, occasionally, jaundice and ascites. Here we described an interesting case of idiopathic portal hypertension caused by coeliac disease in a 38-year-old woman. By putting this patient on a gluten-free diet, liver function tests became normal and portal vein diameter returned to normal range. This report indicates that, in coeliac disease, repetitive stimulation by antigens along the portal vein-and immune responses to them-can result in the development of idiopathic portal hypertension.

Keywords: coeliac disease; idiopathic portal hypertension.

Figure 1.

Duodenal biopsy shows flattening of mucosal villi with secretion of chronic inflammatory cells and neutrophils.