Recurrent Multiple Cervical Esophageal Webs: An Unusual Presentation of Celiac Disease
Gastroenterology Research
F1:Barium swallow examination showing evidence of multiple webs in the upper esophagus (arrows).
View Article:PubMed Central - PubMed
Additional Figures:
Article
Collection
Results
Abstract

Although the association of celiac disease with esophageal web has been reported earlier, in this case patient presented with persistent dysphagia. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed multiple esophageal webs which were recurring despite endoscopic dilatation. Diagnosis and treatment of underlying celiac disease led to long term improvement.

Mentions
On evaluation he was thin built and pale. General physical examination was unremarkable except for pallor. Barium swallow showed multiple esophageal webs in the post cricoid region (Fig. 1). He had microcytic and hypochromic anemia with a hemoglobin of 8.2g%. Stool for occult blood was negative and iron studies showed severe iron deficiency state with serum iron of 13 micrograms/dl and percent transferrin saturation of 2.7%. Upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy showed multiple cervical webs and scalloping and grooving of the proximal duodenum (Fig. 2). A possibility of celiac was considered and duodenal biopsy was done. Serum tissue transglutaminase (tTG) was elevated at 28 U/ml (normal < 10 U/ml) and the duodenal biopsy showed villous atrophy with increase in the intra-epithelial lymphocytes consistent with the diagnosis of celiac disease. He was advised gluten free diet and iron supplementation. On this treatment his dysphagia was resolved, and there was no recurrence of webs. He gained 6 kilograms of weight, and his anemia and serum iron profile also started showing improvement (hemoglobin 12g%, serum iron 53 mg/dl, and percent transferring saturation 9.8%) within six weeks of treatment. He developed a pruritic papular skin rash over extensor aspects of limbs suggestive of dermatitis herpertiformis which responded to Dapsone therapy. He has been doing well since then and is asymptomatic on 7 years of follow-up.
MeSH