Autoimmune cholangitis in a patient with celiac disease: a case report and review of the literature

Autoimmune cholangitis is a rare chronic cholestatic liver disease. We describe the case of a 65-year-old woman with celiac disease who presented to us with fever, jaundice and weight loss. Serum biochemical study showed marked increase in alkaline phosphatase and γGT levels. Antinuclear antibodies were positive, while antimitochondrial and anti-smooth-muscle antibodies were negative. Liver biopsy was compatible with primary autoimmune cholangitis. The patient was successfully treated with azathioprine and methylprednisolone. We describe here the uncommon association of autoimmune cholangitis with celiac disease and review the prevalence of liver diseases in patients with celiac disease.