Diagnostic Challenges in Seronegative Celiac Disease: A Case of Massive Splenomegaly and Persistent Metabolic Imbalance

We report the case of a young female with recurrent and severe electrolyte disturbances, including persistent hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and metabolic acidosis, in association with splenomegaly and chronic abdominal complaints. Despite extensive investigations, including repeated biochemical testing, coagulation studies, comprehensive imaging, and a broad infectious and autoimmune work-up, no clear etiology was initially identified. Notably, celiac serology was negative, while stool studies, hepatitis and HIV serology, tuberculosis screening, and tumor markers were unremarkable. Her medical, surgical, and family histories were unremarkable, with no evidence of chronic illness or malignancy. Given the constellation of clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings, seronegative celiac disease (CD) was considered the most likely diagnosis, although not definitively proven. initiation of a strict gluten-free diet and supportive management, with progressive normalization of electrolyte disturbances, significant symptomatic relief, underscoring the importance of early recognition and appropriate treatment of seronegative CD. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of suspected seronegative CD; the importance of correlating clinical, laboratory, and imaging features; and the need to maintain a high index of suspicion in atypical presentations.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-01-05
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.100816
Primary Topic
Celiac Disease Research and Management
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Diagnostic Challenges in Seronegative Celiac Disease: A Case of Massive Splenomegaly and Persistent Metabolic Imbalance

A.I.A. Ibrahim, Ahmed H Ahmed, Mathab Adam, Muhammad Zahid et al.
Cureus
Celiac Disease Research and Management
article

Diagnostic Challenges in Seronegative Celiac Disease: A Case of Massive Splenomegaly and Persistent Metabolic Imbalance

A.I.A. Ibrahim, Ahmed H Ahmed, Mathab Adam, Muhammad Zahid, Khalid Azhar, Amira Nabil Mohammed Mansour, Elhassan Abdullah
article en

Abstract

We report the case of a young female with recurrent and severe electrolyte disturbances, including persistent hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and metabolic acidosis, in association with splenomegaly and chronic abdominal complaints. Despite extensive investigations, including repeated biochemical testing, coagulation studies, comprehensive imaging, and a broad infectious and autoimmune work-up, no clear etiology was initially identified. Notably, celiac serology was negative, while stool studies, hepatitis and HIV serology, tuberculosis screening, and tumor markers were unremarkable. Her medical, surgical, and family histories were unremarkable, with no evidence of chronic illness or malignancy. Given the constellation of clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings, seronegative celiac disease (CD) was considered the most likely diagnosis, although not definitively proven. initiation of a strict gluten-free diet and supportive management, with progressive normalization of electrolyte disturbances, significant symptomatic relief, underscoring the importance of early recognition and appropriate treatment of seronegative CD. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of suspected seronegative CD; the importance of correlating clinical, laboratory, and imaging features; and the need to maintain a high index of suspicion in atypical presentations.

CureusVol. 18(1)
Hamad Medical Corporation (QA)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 98%
Celiac Disease Research and Management
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.