A case report: celiac disease and pediatric stuttering

Turk J Pediatr. 2025 Dec 24;67(6):892-895. doi: 10.24953/turkjpediatr.2025.6395.

Abstract

Background: Celiac disease is an immune-mediated disorder known to manifest not only with gastrointestinal symptoms but also with a wide range of extraintestinal features, including neuropsychiatric conditions.

Case presentation: We describe the case of a 4-year-old girl who presented with isolated stuttering. Serologic tests revealed elevated anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies, and a diagnosis of celiac disease was confirmed by duodenal biopsy. A strict gluten-free diet was initiated. The patient's speech disorder began to improve by the sixth month of treatment and resolved completely by the twelfth month of dietary adherence.

Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering celiac disease in the differential diagnosis of speech disorders in pediatric patients, especially when no other underlying cause is identified.

Keywords: case report; celiac disease; gluten-free diet; neurological manifestation; pediatric; stuttering.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Celiac Disease* / complications
  • Celiac Disease* / diagnosis
  • Celiac Disease* / diet therapy
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diet, Gluten-Free
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Stuttering* / diagnosis
  • Stuttering* / etiology