Protein-losing enteropathy as precursor of inflammatory bowel disease: a review of the literature. Issue 1 (11th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Murray, Fritz Ruprecht; Morell, Bernhard; Biedermann, Luc; Schreiner, Philipp
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 14:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-11
• Subjects: endoscopy -- Crohn's disease -- malabsorption -- general practice / family medicine -- inflammatory bowel disease; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-238802
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : We report the case of a 63-year-old female patient with liver cirrhosis who presented with symptoms of severe hypoalbuminaemia and diarrhoea. After ruling out other causes of hypoalbuminaemia and confirmation of an elevated faecal α-1 antitrypsin clearance, the diagnosis of protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) could be established. Since PLE is a syndrome caused by various diseases, classified into erosive and non-erosive gastrointestinal diseases or lymphatic obstruction, an extensive work-up was necessary, establishing the final diagnosis of Crohn's disease.