Restoration of Gluten Tolerance Following Heart Transplantation in a Child With Celiac Disease

Abstract

C eliac disease (CD) is a common, lifelong disorder of the small bowel, stemming from an autoimmune response to gluten proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. Confirmation of the diagnosis is followed by establishment of a lifelong gluten-free diet, the only scientifically proven therapy for CD. We describe a child with biopsy-proven CD achieving remission following heart transplantation, despite a lack of dietary gluten exclusion.