Anders Anderson,was seen by his pediatrician at 24 months old after a recent bout of diarrhea and vomiting.He had lost his appetite and complained that his stomach hurt.Anders was in the 5% centile for weight,had slender limbs,wasted buttocks,and a protuberant abdomen.Jejunal biopsy revealed abnormal surface epithelium,and villous atrophy with hyperplasia of the crypts.Which of the following would be a likely clinical finding in this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is a case of celiac disease, also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy. An inflammatory response involving CD4 T cells is made against gluten proteins (including gliadins and glutenins) in gut-associated lymphoid tissues. Anti-gliadin and anti-glutenin IgA antibodies are secreted into the lumen of the gut. Atrophy of intestinal villi compromises absorption and, as seen in this case, affected children fail to thrive.

Anders Anderson,was Seen by His Pediatrician at 24 Months Old