Candesartan-Induced Enteropathy That Mimics Celiac Disease in a 90-Year-Old Patient

Sprue-like enteropathy (SLE) is a clinical syndrome similar to celiac disease and has been associated with the use of various angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), a class of medications frequently used in the management of hypertension. Currently, there has only been one documented case report which has observed this occurrence with the use of the ARB candesartan. A 90-year-old female patient presented with chronic diarrhea and weight loss of unclear etiology. Diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ileocolonoscopy were macroscopically unremarkable, but histological samples revealed complete villous atrophy, chronic mucosal inflammation, and intraepithelial T-lymphocytic infiltration. However, serological studies could not confirm celiac disease as a cause for the patient’s symptoms of malabsorption. After exclusion of other intestinal inflammation etiologies with noted ongoing candesartan use, the diagnosis of SLE was made, and candesartan therapy was discontinued. Additionally, we decided to initiate a lactose-free diet. Clinical remission was achieved without any recurrences. Candesartan is a commonly prescribed therapeutic agent in the treatment of hypertension. Our case underlines the importance of considering it as a potential cause for unexplained symptoms of malabsorption.

Adult celiac disease and the severe "flat" small bowel biopsy lesion

Classification of architectural changes in the small intestinal biopsy may be clinically useful to define the cause of diarrhea or suspected malabsorption, especially in adults. Pathologic changes may include severe (flat) or variably severe (mild or moderate) abnormalities. For some disorders, small bowel biopsy findings may be very distinctive and lead to a specific diagnosis. For others, like adult celiac disease, biopsy changes are less specific. Indeed, it is becoming increasingly appreciated that several conditions can produce similar histopathologic changes. Serological assays, including endomysial antibodies and tissue transglutaminase antibodies, may be very useful tools for screening and case finding in clinical practice. However, demonstration of characteristic changes in the small intestinal biopsy is critical, along with a gluten-free diet response.