Atrophic Glossitis Leading to the Diagnosis of Celiac Disease

Abstract

To the Editor: Diagnosing celiac disease is relatively easy in typical cases, characterized by the classic features of chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain and distention, and weight loss. However, most patients have atypical celiac disease, with few or no gastrointestinal symptoms and a predominance of extraintestinal features (e.g., iron-deficiency anemia). Patients with celiac disease are prone to the development of long-term complications (e.g., autoimmune diseases or cancers) that are responsible for a mortality rate higher than that in the general population.1 Gluten withdrawal seems to be protective against long-term complications, and it is the cornerstone of treatment for celiac disease. Case . . .