Association of celiac disease with cardiomyopathy and pulmonary hemosiderosis

Cardiomyopathy in Celiac Disease: A Systematic Review

(1) Background: Cardiomyopathy in celiac disease or celiac cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that can occur in both adults and children. However, data supporting the causal relationship between celiac disease (CD) and cardiomyopathy (CMP) are still inconsistent. The aim of this study was to review and synthesize data from the literature on this topic and potentially reveal a more evidence-based causal relationship. (2) Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to search Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases from database inception until September 2023. A total of 1187 original articles were identified. (3) Results: We identified 28 CCM patients (19 adult and 9 pediatric) with a mean age of 27.4 ± 18.01 years. Adult patients with CCM were predominantly male (84.2%) while pediatric patients were predominantly female (75%). The most common comorbidities associated with CCM were anemia (75%) and pulmonary hemosiderosis (20%). In 35% of patients, CCM occurred before the diagnosis of CD, while in 48% of patients, CCM and CD were diagnosed at the same time. Diagnosis of CD preceded diagnosis of CCM in only 18% of patients. Diagnosis of CCM is often delayed with an average, from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis, of 16 months. All patients were treated with a gluten-free diet in addition to guideline-directed medical therapy. At 11-month follow-up, cardiovascular improvement was seen in 60.7% of patients. Pediatric mortality was 33.3%, while adult mortality was 5.3%. (4) Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of the possible association between CD and CMP, and we recommend CD work-up in all patients with CMP who have concomitant anemia. While we identified only 28 cases in the literature, many cases might go unreported due to a lack of awareness regarding CCM. A high degree of clinical suspicion and a prompt diagnosis of CCM are essential to minimizing the risks of morbidity and mortality, as the combination of a gluten-free diet and guideline-directed medical therapy can improve clinical outcomes.

Celiac disease and idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis: A literature review of the Lane-Hamilton Syndrome

Lane-Hamilton syndrome (LHS) presents a medical emergency, with 14% mortality due to Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis (IPH) in acute phase. Despite the clinical severity of this entity, there has been no published review in the international literature, resulting in lack of awareness and delayed diagnosis.A rigorous search of international databases yielded a total of 80 LHS cases from January 1971 to August 2020. We analyzed 44 children (8.56±4.72years, 21boys) and 36 adults (33.61±13.41years, 12men), to present the clinical manifestations, radiological and immunological pattern, therapeutic approaches and outcome of LHS. We also elaborated on clinical and laboratory findings' associations to propose diagnostic indexes and clarified differences based on age distribution.Celiac Disease (CD) and IPH diagnosis was made concurrently in 46 patients, whereas in 21 patients the diagnosis of LHS was delayed for 2.5y (3mo-11y). Hemoptysis (n=56, 70%), dyspnea (n=47, 58.8%), anemia (n=72, 90%) and iron deficiency (n=54, 67.5%) were most commonly observed. Medical history revealed recurrent episodes of hemoptysis (n=38) and persistent iron deficiency anemia (n=25) in need of multiple blood transfusions or iron supplementation. Patchy infiltrate opacities to consolidation predominated in children, whereas bilateral diffuse ground glass opacities in adults. Duodenal biopsy was performed in 66 cases (diagnostic 87.8%), BAL in 51 (diagnostic 74.5%) and surgical lung biopsy in 20. Anti-tTG titer was positive in all 24 (54.6%) children and 19 (52.8%) adults that documented this assay. Prednisone or methylprednisolone pulse therapy and GFD were initiated in the acute phase, whereas chronic therapy included GFD, along with long-term prednisone in refractory cases. Three cases with severe respiratory failure or hemodynamic instability were intubated and a further 3 succumbed.A thorough understanding of LHS may reveal further diagnostic indexes and a consensus on therapy guidelines. Screening for CD is essential in all IPH cases for timely recognition and favorable outcome.

Lane-Hamilton syndrome - Is it really a needle in a haystack?

Introduction

The association of pulmonary hemosiderosis with celiac disease (Lane-Hamilton syndrome) is extremely rare.

Case Details

A five-year-old female child presented with fever, cough, breathlessness, and pallor for 20 days, without any previous history of recurrent lower respiratory tract infections, tuberculosis, or cardiac disease. There was no history of pica, chronic diarrhea, bleeding, or personal or family history of repeated blood transfusions. She had tachycardia, tachypnea, severe pallor, stunting, rickets, and bilateral fine lung crepitations. Peripheral smear and blood indices revealed dimorphic anemia. Anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA antibody levels were high (>200 U/mL) and the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with duodenal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of celiac disease. The child was discharged on a gluten-free diet (GFD) and oral hematinic, but her dietary compliance was poor. Interestingly, the child had persistent bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, which was initially attributed to congestive cardiac failure (CCF), which persisted even despite treatment. HRCT chest revealed interstitial thickening and bilateral alveolar shadows and bronchoalveolar lavage showed a few inflammatory cells. The child was readmitted four times with similar complaints and was given packed red cell transfusions. In the fourth admission, a lung biopsy was done, which revealed extensive pulmonary hemosiderosis. The patient was given a course of oral steroids for 6 weeks, with a gluten-free diet, following which both the anemia and the pulmonary infiltrates resolved.

Conclusion

Pulmonary hemosiderosis is an important cause of anemia in cases of celiac disease and may be misdiagnosed as CCF due to severe anemia. A strict GFD, with or without corticosteroids, can reverse the clinical and radiological picture.

Association between idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis and celiac disease in pediatric patients: A scoping review of the literature over the past 50 years

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare cause of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, the mechanism of which is currently unknown. Nearly one-third of pediatric patients with IPH test positive for Celiac disease (CD) serology. Several hypothetical mechanisms have been proposed to unify the coexistence of these two entities, also referred to as Lane-Hamilton syndrome (LHS).

METHOD

This manuscript is a scoping review of the medical literature. Medline, Embase, and PubMed Central databases were searched between 1971 and 2021 with appropriate search words to identify all cases of pediatric LHS.

RESULTS

A total of 20 manuscripts with 23 pediatric patients with LHS were identified. The mean age was 11 years, and 13/23 (56.5%) of the children were boys. Hemoptysis was present in 57% of patients during diagnosis. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage demonstrating hemosiderin laden macrophages was the primary mode of diagnostic confirmation. Only three patients underwent lung biopsy. Any significant GI symptom was reported in a minority of patients (22%). Iron deficiency anemia on presentation was described in 83% of children. The majority of patients were malnourished. Serology for CD was positive in all patients, as was the histopathologic analysis of the small bowel biopsy. No patients had any other autoantibody positivity. The introduction of gluten free diet (GFD) was associated with a positive response in 20/23 patients.

CONCLUSION

All pediatric patients with IPH should undergo screening for CD. Low serum ferritin in patients with IPH could be suggestive of coexisting CD. Strict GFD should be tried as the initial therapy.

Coincidence or connection? A patient with concurrent Lane Hamilton Syndrome and idiopathic membranous nephropathy

Lane Hamilton Syndrome is the rare association of idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis and Celiac Disease. The definitive pathophysiologic link is unknown, but the syndrome has been described as co-occurring along with other diseases. We describe the first reported case of Lane Hamilton Syndrome and idiopathic membranous nephropathy. We also hypothesize the possibility of an immune-mediated connection between the pathologies and propose a potential link of the phospholipase A2 receptor.

Cardiovascular involvement in celiac disease

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune response to ingestion of gluten protein, which is found in wheat, rye, and barley grains, and results in both small intestinal manifestations, including villous atrophy, as well as systemic manifestations. The main treatment for the disease is a gluten-free diet (GFD), which typically results in the restoration of the small intestinal villi, and restoration of other affected organ systems, to their normal functioning. In an increasing number of recently published studies, there has been great interest in the occurrence of alterations in the cardiovascular system in untreated CD. Herein, published studies in which CD and cardiovascular terms appear in the title of the study were reviewed. The publications were categorized into one of several types: (1) articles (including cohort and case-control studies); (2) reviews and meta-analyses; (3) case studies (one to three patient reports); (4) letters; (5) editorials; and (6) abstracts (used when no full-length work had been published). The studies were subdivided as either heart or vascular studies, and were further characterized by the particular condition that was evident in conjunction with CD. Publication information was determined using the Google Scholar search tool. For each publication, its type and year of publication were tabulated. Salient information from each article was then compiled. It was determined that there has been a sharp increase in the number of CD - cardiovascular studies since 2000. Most of the publications are either of the type "article" or "case study". The largest number of documents published concerned CD in conjunction with cardiomyopathy (33 studies), and there have also been substantial numbers of studies published on CD and thrombosis (27), cardiovascular risk (17), atherosclerosis (13), stroke (12), arterial function (11), and ischemic heart disease (11). Based on the published research, it can be concluded that many types of cardiovascular issues can occur in untreated CD patients, but that most tend to resolve on a GFD, often in conjunction with the healing of small intestinal villous atrophy. However, in some cases the alterations are irreversible, underscoring the need for CD screening and treatment when cardiovascular issues arise of unknown etiology.

A young man with hemoptysis: Rare association of idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis, celiac disease and dilated cardiomyopathy

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare cause of recurrent diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) with no specific treatment. Herein, we discuss a case of hemoptysis, who had IPH and other rare associations. A 19-year-old man presented with recurrent hemoptysis, generalized weakness and progressive dyspnea for 3 years. Earlier, he was diagnosed with anemia and was treated with blood transfusions and hematinics. On examination he had pallor, tachycardia and was underweight. Investigations revealed low level of hemoglobin (7.8 g/dl) and iron deficiency. An electrocardiography (ECG) showed sinus tachycardia, interventricular conduction delay and T-wave inversion. Echocardiography revealed dilated cardiomyopathy with left ventricular dysfunction. Computed tomography of the chest demonstrated bilateral diffuse ground glass opacity suggestive of pulmonary hemorrhage. Pulmonary function tests showed restrictive pattern with increased carbon monoxide diffusion. Bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy showed hemosiderin-laden macrophages. Patient could recall recurrent episodes of diarrhea in childhood. Serum antitissue transglutamase antibodies were raised (291.66 IU/ml, normal <30 IU/ml). Duodenal biopsy showed subtotal villous atrophy consistent with celiac disease. He was started on gluten-free diet, beta blockers and diuretics. After two years of treatment, he has been showing consistent improvement. Screening for CD is important in patients with IPH. Cardiomyopathy forms rare third association. All three show improvement with gluten-free diet.

Hemoptysis in patients of celiac disease with disproportionately severe anemia: tip of the iceberg?

Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis (IPH) is characterized by the triad of iron deficiency anemia, pulmonary infiltrates and haemoptysis with no recognizable cause. Since the first description of its association with Celiac Disease (CD) by Lane and Hamilton in 1971, only a few isolated cases have been reported in literature. Although it has been considered an uncommon association of two disease entities, recent reports indicate that prevalence of celiac disease is as high as one percent. Further, individually both celiac disease and IPH are known to present as refractory anemia only. We are reporting a young adult with Lane Hamilton Syndrome, who realized that he was having significant gastrointestinal complaints only when they disappeared on gluten free diet (GFD). This case report reiterates the fact that celiac disease should be considered in all patients of IPH because of the therapeutic implications. Further on review of literature, we believe that covert hemoptysis may be responsible for disproportionately severe anemia in patients of celiac disease. Thus, prevalence of this association may be more than currently believed. Further research in this regard may improve our understanding of pathogenesis of celiac disease.