Background: Seizures in children are usually caused by fever or epilepsy, though they may also be caused by electrolyte, vitamin or mineral disturbances. We describe a case of hypocalcaemic tetany with hypovitaminosis D.
Material and methods: The patient was a previously healthy eight months old girl of Indian origin.
Results: Investigations revealed that she suffered from coeliac disease.
Interpretation: Coeliac disease is a well-known disorder, characterised by enteropathy and malabsorption causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and failure to thrive. Enteropathy and specific malnutrition may occur in the total absence of gastrointestinal symptoms.