Screening for Celiac Disease Using Anti Tissue Transglutaminase in Patients with Esophageal SCC between 2004 and 2009

Introduction: Esophageal Squamous-Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common malignancies in Iran. To reduce the incidence of esophageal SCC, it is important to recognize the controllable risk factors and prevent them. Celiac disease is widely known as a possible risk factor for esophageal SCC. Thus, we decided to assess the frequency of celiac disease in esophageal SCC patients in North east of Iran in order to suggest correlation between two diseases. Materials and Methods: In a Cross-sectional study one hundred and fortythree cases of esophageal SCC were examined for anti tissue transglutaminase antibody (anti-tTG) between the years 2004 and 2009 in Ghaem and Omid Hospitals of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was the test of choice in this study since it provides the sensitivity and specificity needed for the diagnosis and screening of celiac disease. The results of this test were compared with those of the control group which were compatible in terms of sex and age. Data were analyzed through SPSS software and statistical analysis such as x2, exact x2 and T-test. Results: 19.6% patients (SCC) had positive anti-tTG ( > 20) which was significantly different to 7.9% in control group (p -value=0.005). Comparing age groups of patients for positive anti_tTG using exact x square test showed significant difference in patients with < 40 years old (P value=0.005). Conclusion: There seems to be a correlation between positive anti_tTG and esophageal SCC; that is to say, celiac disease might play a role in the earlier manifestations of esophageal SCC.