Epilepsy, bilateral occipital calcifications and coeliac disease [Epilessia, calcificazioni occipitali bilaterali e morbo celiaco]

The association of epilepsy, bilateral occipital calcifications and coeliac disease has now been established as a separate clinical entity and not an atypical variant of Sturge-Weber syndrome This report describes the clinical and neuroradiological findings in a 14-year-old boy with a six-month history of partial seizures with secondary generalization. EEG disclosed theta slowing and paroxysmal activity in the posterior lends. Brain CT revealed bilateral occipital calcifications, mainly on the right. The absence of facial naevus and normal findings on neuropsychological testing prompted further tests to ascertain possible concomitant coeliac disease even though there was no evidence of malabsorption on history-taking. A search for anti-gliadin antibodies and bowel biopsy led to a diagnosis of coeliac disease. In view of our findings, coeliac disease should be ruled out in patients presenting bilateral occipital calfications and epilepsy even without evidence of malabsorption, so that a gluten-free diet can be prescribed.