Subclinical neurological abnormalities in children with celiac disease receiving a gluten-free diet.

OBJECTIVES: Because clinically evident manifestations are frequent in adults with celiac disease (CD), we aimed to investigate whether early neurological abnormalities may be detected in children with CD.

METHODS: Electroencephalography, electromyography, and somatosensory evoked potentials were performed in children with CD receiving a gluten-free diet.

RESULTS: The neurophysiological tests revealed subclinical neurological abnormalities associated with CD in 3 (11%) of 27 children: 2 had peripheral polyneuropathy documented with electromyography, and 1 had prolonged latencies in somatosensory evoked potential. Magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormalities in 2 (7.4%) of children: pontine demyelinization in 1 and cortical atrophy in the other.

CONCLUSIONS: Because the rate of neurological problems is increased in children with CD, neurological abnormalities should be carefully investigated early after the diagnosis of CD is made.