A Review of Autoimmune Enteropathy and Its Associated Syndromes

Dig Dis Sci. 2020 Nov;65(11):3079-3090. doi: 10.1007/s10620-020-06540-8. Epub 2020 Aug 24.

Abstract

Autoimmune enteropathy is an extremely rare condition characterized by an abnormal intestinal immune response which typically manifests within the first 6 months of life as severe, intractable diarrhea that does not respond to dietary modification. Affected individuals frequently present with other signs of autoimmunity. The diagnosis is made based on a characteristic combination of clinical symptoms, laboratory studies, and histological features on small bowel biopsy. Autoimmune enteropathy is associated with a number of other conditions and syndromes, most notably immunodysregulation polyendocrinopathy enteropathy X-linked (IPEX) syndrome and autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS-1). Diagnosis and treatment is challenging, and further research is needed to better understand the pathogenesis, disease progression, and long-term outcomes of these conditions.

Keywords: Autoimmune enteropathy; Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1; Genetic syndromes; Immunodeficiency; Immunodysregulation polyendocrinopathy enteropathy X-linked syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diarrhea / immunology
  • Disease Progression
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune / complications*
  • Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune / diagnosis
  • Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune / genetics
  • Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune / immunology*
  • Syndrome

Supplementary concepts

  • Autoimmune enteropathy