Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Associated With Celiac Disease

Abstract

Celiac disease may be associated with various neurologic manifestations, most commonly cerebellar ataxia. This report describes a 2-year-old male who presented with opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome including action myoclonus, palpebral flutter, opsoclonus, and ataxia. Given the severity of ataxia, the child was unable to sit or walk independently. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was normal on two occasions (4-week interval). Oligoclonal bands were found in the cerebrospinal fluid. Blood and serum examinations were unremarkable, with no evidence of infectious seroconversion. However autoantibody testing indicated the presence of antigliadin antibodies of immunoglobulin A subtype, anti-endomysial antibodies, and anti-CV2 antibodies that were not, however, detected in the cerebrospinal fluid. Duodenal biopsy documented villous atrophy confirming the diagnosis of celiac disease. This case confirms that initial presentation of celiac disease may be restricted to neurologic features. We suggest that a search for evidence for celiac disease should be included in the evaluation of opsoclonus-myoclonus.