Ichthyosis revealing coeliac disease

We describe the case of a twenty-nine year-old woman presenting a lamellar desquamation on the abdomen, submammary folds and on the limbs. During rece nt years the patient suffered neither from bowel disorders, nor from drynes s of the skin. Laboratory tests revealed high values of parathormone and a high level of antiendomysial antibodies. The total bone-mineral density was about 78% of normal levels. A duodenal mucous membrane specimen showed tot al atrophy of the villi. Skin biopsy revealed an acquired ichthyosis mimick ing an ichthyosis vulgaris. The patient underwent a gluten-free diet, supported by folic acid and vitam in D and six months later, after the regression of secondary hyperparathyro idism, a remarkable improvement of the cutaneous symptoms was obtained.