Clinical pattern of celiac disease in a population residing in North Sardinia (Italy)

Celiac disease (CD) was first described by Aretaeus from Cappadocia in II century after C. The impressive clinical picture of a patient with life-threatening diarrhea, malabsorption, weight loss, neurologic disorders and osteopenia is now often replaced by the mostly atypical symptoms or an asymptomatic presentation. When unrecognized and untreated, the celiac disease is associated with increased mortality. In order to collect information on the clinical presentation of celiac disease in North Sardinia, Italy, data on 287 patients with biopsy examination-proven celiac disease were obtained. Women predominated (87%). Overall 78,2%, 53,2% and 44,7% of patients showed classical, subclinical/silent or atypical, and no gastrointestinal features of celiac disease, respectively. Anemia was the main mode of presentation, occurring in 53% of patients. Diarrhea was less frequent (41,5%), although never severe. In conclusion, in North Sardinia a significant proportion of patients with CD are seen more commonly with non-diarrheal presentations than those with diarrhea. To recognize atypical symptoms could be the most important step in the diagnosis and further treatment.