BACKGROUND: Coeliac disease is known to favor the development of neoplasia.
Coeliac disease associated with small-cell carcinoma of the esophagus has
not been reported to date.
CASE REPORT: A 51-year-old man with coeliac disease known for several years
was hospitalized for epigastric pain. Work-up led to the diagnosis of smal
l-cell carcinoma of the lower esophagus. The patient was treated with 6 cyc
les of chemotherapy using an etoposide-ciplatinum protocol associated with
60 Cy radiotherapy starting at the third cycle. The patient has remained in
complete remission 2 years after diagnosis.
DISCUSSION: Small-cell carcionoma of the esophagus is an exceptional findin
g in a patient with coeliac disease. Chemotherapy associated with radiother
apy has been successful in our patient.