Tetany in a Two-Year-Old Child With Undiagnosed Celiac Disease

TL;DR

A two-year-old child with undiagnosed celiac disease presented with tetany and was successfully treated with a gluten-free diet and supplements.

Contribution

Highlights tetany as a rare initial symptom of celiac disease in a young child.

Findings

The child showed minimal gastrointestinal symptoms but had tetany and finger pain.

A gluten-free diet and supplements led to symptom resolution.

Early diagnosis through screening is crucial for asymptomatic or subtle celiac disease cases.

Abstract

Celiac disease is an immune-mediated condition triggered by exposure to gluten in dietary products (such as wheat, rye, oats, and barley) in genetically predisposed individuals. It could present in different ways with classic symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, or non-classic symptoms of anemia and neurological disturbances, including tetany. In rare cases, tetany can be an initial presentation of celiac disease. We report a case of a two-year-old child who presented with minimal gastrointestinal symptoms and finger pain and was eventually diagnosed with celiac disease. Interestingly, in this case, the patient remained symptom-free after implementing some dietary adjustments, supplements, and strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. Due to the asymptomatic and subtle nature of the disease, careful screening and detailed history-taking play a crucial role in facilitating prompt diagnosis and early treatment, thereby promoting a child's healthy lifestyle.

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