[Silent celiac disease among 21 patients with cryptogenic epilepsy].

BACKGROUND Celiac disease (CD) is predominant in women and young people. Atypical, non-enteric symptoms are more common among adults. There is also an association between CD and neurological disorders, especially with cerebellar ataxia, polyneuropathy and epilepsy. AIM To study the frequency of CD in a group of adults with cryptogenic epilepsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty one patients with cryptogenic epilepsy, aged 20 to 65 years (14 women) were studied, measuring IgA-anti transglutaminase antibodies and deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) IgG and IgA antibodies. RESULTS One patient had elevated titers of both types of antibodies. Small bowel biopsy showed villous atrophy and lymphocytic infiltration compatible with CD. CONCLUSIONS One of 21 adult patients with cryptogenic epilepsy had a silent CD.