Abdominal resistance and anemia without malignancy - a misleading clinical picture

Abstract

The authors present a 46-year-old male patient with coeliac disease who did not follow a glutenfree diet. Abdominal resistance, weight loss, and anemia are alarming signs that would initially suggest a malignant disease. During tumor investigation, computed tomography of the chest, abdomen and pelvis revealed retroperitoneal and mesenteric lymphadenopathy, but the pathologist saw only reactive abnormalities in the histological sample. The patient then followed a gluten-free diet, and few months later, a follow-up computed tomography showed no lymphadenopathy but described chronic thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein as an incidental finding. Due to the atypical location of the thrombosis, examinations were requested tests for antiphospholipid syndrome and thrombophilia, which confirmed combined thrombophilia. Based on the results so far, there is no correlation between novum heart disease and coeliac disease. The patient has since been receiving anticoagulant treatment, following a gluten-free diet, and attending regular medical check-ups.