Undiagnosed Celiac Disease Associated With Antiphospholipid Syndrome Causing Infertility and Osteoporosis

Cureus. 2023 Dec 4;15(12):e49899. doi: 10.7759/cureus.49899. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Celiac disease and antiphospholipid syndrome are two conditions associated with infertility, but their coexistence is rarely reported. In this manuscript, we present the case of a 23-year-old woman initially presenting with urticaria and vitamin D deficiency, subsequently developing recurrent miscarriages and osteoporosis over a period of 13 years. After initially presenting with urticaria and vitamin D deficiency, she was diagnosed with idiopathic urticaria. Thirteen years later, the patient was diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome following multiple pregnancy losses and eventually underwent in vitro fertilization successfully with a diamniotic dichorionic pregnancy. Post-delivery, the patient developed severe back pain, due to underlying acute wedge fractures indicative of osteoporosis. Further investigations revealed elevated antigliadin and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies, leading to a diagnosis of celiac disease. She responded well to a gluten-free diet with significant symptomatic and bone mass density improvements. This case highlights the importance of considering celiac disease in cases of unexplained infertility and osteoporosis. Moreover, it emphasizes the need for early diagnosis of celiac disease to minimize its detrimental effects on fertility and bone health.

Keywords: antiphospholipid syndrome; autoimmune disease; celiac disease; infertility; osteoporosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports