Celiac Crisis in an Adult: Raising Awareness to a Life-Threatening Condition
Keywords
Celiac Crisis, Celiac Disease, Severe DiarrheaAbstract
Objectives: The Authors report the case of a 56-year-old man with celiac disease, who after ingesting a food containing gluten and experiencing a flu-like syndrome, developed severe diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss (15 kg), hypotension, renal dysfunction, hypokalemia and metabolic acidosis.
Materials and methods: Admission to the Intensive Care Unit and exclusion of an infectious cause was determined.
Results: After receiving noradrenaline, methylprednisolone and correction of ionic disturbances, the patient recovered rapidly and had no further complication.
Conclusion: The Authors intend to increase awareness of celiac crisis, because despite being extremely rare in adults, it is potentially fatal and an quick diagnosis and treatment are crucial.