Skip to main content

Remission of severe aphthous stomatitis of celiac disease with etanercept

Abstract

Celiac disease is a common autoimmune disease triggered by gluten-containing foods (wheat, barley and rye) in genetically predisposed individuals. We present a patient with celiac disease complicated by severe aphthous stomatitis resulting in impairing swallowing, chewing and speaking. This led to weight loss, psychosocial problems as well as inability to perform her work. A variety of topical and systemic medications used resulted in either no improvement or only partial alleviation of the patient’s symptoms. After informed consent, etanercept was initiated and resulted in complete remission of aphthous stomatitis, decrease in arthralgia and fatigue and considerable improvement in her quality of life. The use of newer biological agents for selected and severe manifestations of celiac disease may lead to improved morbidity in these patients, but more studies are needed to determine long-term efficacy as well as safety of these drugs in the mucosal and/or systemic complications of this disease.

Introduction

Celiac disease (CD) is a common autoimmune disease. The prevalence of CD is approximately 0.5% to 1% among people living in the United States [1] and 1:100 to 1:300 worldwide [2]. It is more common in Caucasians and affects both children and adults, with a female predominance [1]. CD- otherwise known as Gluten-sensitive enteropathy- is triggered by gluten-containing foods (wheat, barley and rye) in genetically predisposed individuals and can also be associated with other immunological diseases such as diabetes mellitus type 1 and IgA deficiency, suggesting immune dysregulation. Although patients are often asymptomatic, CD can manifest with cutaneous, mucosal, systemic or autoimmune features [3, 4]. A variety of oral lesions such as atrophic glossitis and aphthous ulcers are quite common in patients with CD with A prevalence ranging from 3% to 61% in several studies. Aphthous stomatitis can be quite severe in CD, at time interfering with chewing, swallowing, speaking, and leading to impaired quality of life. This can result in complications such as weight loss, nutrition deficiencies, depression and psychosocial withdrawal.

We present a patient with severe aphthous stomatitis complicating CD who responded partially to immune suppression, but dramatically to the inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) - Etanercept. This report suggests a role for cytokines such as TNFα in CD, and also provides a potential treatment strategy for selected mucosal complications associated with the disease.

Case report

A 32 year old Caucasian female with a history of endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease presented with severe ulcers of the mouth extending into the posterior oropharynx. The presence of the ulcers was associated with severe pain with difficulty eating, chewing or swallowing, and interfered with her speech and quality of life. The lesions appeared initially as blisters and were followed by ulceration. These appeared in clusters over weeks or months leading to severe disability. Periodically, the patient would develop conjunctival injection, arthralgias and severe fatigue associated with the ulcers. A thorough ophthalmological evaluation was negative for glaucoma, cataracts, uveitis or scleritis.

The past medical history included allergic rhinitis complicated by recurrent sinusitis. She also complained of tingling, pain and erythema with blanching of her fingers, consistent with Raynaud’s phenomenon. The patient’s medications included fexofenadine, montelukast sodium, intranasal steroids, tryptan for migraine and sertraline. A recent gynecological examination was unremarkable. Her family history was significant for a first cousin with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Physical examination revealed multiple large aphthous ulcers with involvement of the buccal mucosae, tongue and palate (Figure 1A and B). A few lymph nodes in the upper neck were slightly enlarged. Raynaud’s phenomenon and livedoid changes were seen in the upper extremities.

Figure 1
figure 1

Images of physical examination findings and biopsy results. A-D: Gross examination of the oral mucosa demonstrated multiple aphthous ulcers and erythema. (A) A large, painful white ulcer with surrounding erythema located on the soft palate is present. (B) Demonstrates large, shaggy, inflamed ulceration of the lower lip. Granulation tissue, scarring and ulceration were also observed on biopsy of the lower labial mucosa. (C & D) Ileal biopsy revealed villous blunting, crypt elongation, increased inflammation in the lamina propria, and increased intraepithelial lymphocytes (C-low power, D-high power).

A thorough evaluation demonstrated normal liver function tests, low levels of Vitamin D, ferritin (19 ng/ml) and thiamine (52 ng/ml) with normal levels of B12 and red blood cell folate (Table 1). Tests for autoantibodies and anti-cardiolipin antibodies were negative. Evaluation for CD demonstrated significantly elevated levels of endomysial and tissue transglutaminase (TTG) antibodies (Table 2). Biopsies of the esophagus demonstrated typical reflux changes, while biopsies of the ileum showed villous blunting, mononuclear and T cell infiltration of the lamina propria and epithelial loss (Figure 1C and D), confirming the diagnosis of CD. Genetic evaluation and HLA-DQ typing demonstrated the presence of celiac disease permissive alleles DQ alpha 1 0103, 0501 and DQ beta 1 0201, 0603, further clinching the diagnosis. These results are summarized in (Table 2), colonoscopy and biopsy were negative for Inflammatory bowel disease. Biopsy of oral lesion did not reveal vasculitis or Behcets syndrome.

Table 1 Other laboratory test results on patient
Table 2 Diagnostic immunological test results

Tetracycline swish and swallow as well as topical lidocaine for the ulcers were initially prescribed. Replacement with Vitamin D, thiamine and iron were initiated and the patient was instructed to follow a strict gluten-free diet. Reflux symptoms were also treated with a proton pump inhibitor. The oral ulcers showed no response to tetracycline and lidocaine but a partial response to systemic glucocorticoids was seen, with relapse of symptoms soon after discontinuation. A repeat endoscopy showed normalization of the villous architecture in response to treatment; however, the aphthous ulcers persisted unabated. The patient continued to require more prednisone and narcotics for pain. A lip biopsy was performed and demonstrated mucositis and granulation tissue. Fungal stains and PCR for herpes simplex virus were negative.

The patient was started on and failed hydroxychloroquine, sucralfate, cyclosporine, azathioprine and colchicine. After informed consent and insurance approval, the patient was started on etanercept at a dose of 25 mg biweekly administered subcutaneously, after an initial negative tuberculin skin test. After adequate instruction, the patient was able to comfortably self-administer the medication. Pulmicort® Respules were prescribed for minor flares. After Etanercept was initiated, the patient had complete remission of the oral ulcers. She has also had dramatic improvements in the inflammatory symptoms including conjunctival inflammation, polyarthralgia and fatigue.

Discussion

Celiac disease and its manifestation

Celiac disease is a chronic inflammatory, autoimmune disorder of the small intestine with local and systemic manifestations (Figure 2) [5–7]. The latter include mucosal disease (dental/enamel hypoplasia, malabsorption syndrome, aphthous stomatitis), dermatitis herpetiformis, osteopenia/osteoporosis, nutritional issues such as short stature and malnutrition with hypovitaminoses, infertility and delayed puberty, seizures and/or ataxia, depression and autoimmune endocrinopathy [5–7].

Figure 2
figure 2

Celiac disease and its complications/associations.

Pathogenesis of CD is an interaction between immunological factors and environmental factors in genetically susceptible population, through activation of both cell-mediated and humoral immune mechanisms [3, 5–7]. After ingestion of dietary sources of gluten (wheat, barley and rye), gluten peptides, modified deamidated by tissue transglutaminases expressed in the lamina propria of the small intestines, are presented by professional antigen presenting cells to gluten-specific CD4 T cells in lamina propria of the intestinal cells and oral mucosa, in the context of class II HLA molecules (DQ2 and 8). Gliadin-reactive T cells in turn likely express interferon gamma (IFNγ), a T helper type 1 cytokine, which in turn activates metalloproteinases, resulting in some manifestations of the disease. It is also likely that IFNγ enhances the production of TNFα which may play a major role in recruitment of lymphocytes and mucosal damage [8]. Possible sequence of events and the point of action of Etanercept are shown in cartoon format in (Figure 3).

Figure 3
figure 3

Immunopathogenesis of celiac disease and possible point of action of etanercept.

Of relevance to the patient discussed in this report, Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers (RAU) have been reported in patients with celiac disease, with variable frequencies [9–11]. Some studies have shown no higher frequency of RAU in CD compared to controls while others have demonstrated more frequent occurrence. Cell mediated immunity and/or formation of immune complexes may play a part in RAU development in patients with CD, though the actual mechanisms are unclear. Studies from peripheral blood in otherwise healthy patients with RAU, showed multiple immune system abnormalities. These abnormalities included: depressed or reversed CD4:CD8 cell ratio (especially in patients demonstrating severe aphthous stomatitis), increased γδ receptor-positive T cells in patients with active RAU compared to controls, and increased TNFα production [12]. In one study, patients with RAU had elevated salivary levels of TNFα compared to controls [13]. Increased numbers of γδ + cells suggest an antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity in RAU pathogenesis. These specific T cells probably produce TNF-α, a major mediator responsible for the initiation of the inflammatory response through its effects on endothelial cell adhesion and neutrophil chemotaxis. Other inflammatory changes found in RAU lesions include elevated IL-2 and IL-6, potentially due to local tissue trauma. IL-2 can activate natural killer (NK) cells. Increased activity of these cells has been seen in active lesions, which also seems to diminish during remission. These inflammatory mediators may also have been responsible for the nonspecific symptoms suffered by the patient.

Response of aphthous stomatitis to diet and biological response modifiers

Based on the immunological changes observed in RAU, biological response modifiers have been attempted by various physicians and researchers in an attempt to ameliorate or induce remission in severe disease. Systemic medications reported in the literature include pentoxifylline [14], doxycyline [15], Zinc Sulfate [16], Colchicine [17], clofazimine [18], prednisone [19], montelukast sodium [19], sulfones [20], thalidomide [21], methotrexate [22], cyclosporin, chlorambucil [23], infliximab [24], etanercept [25], interferon α [26], azathioprine [25] and levamisole [27] (Table 3).

Table 3 Systemic medications which have been used for treatment of RAU

Recent advances in understanding of molecular inflammatory mechanisms have led to new treatments for inflammatory disease- including tumour necrosis factor-alpha antagonists, infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab and the T-cell modulator modifiers efalizumab and alefacept [28]. Since recent studies have demonstrated a role for the newer TNFα inhibitors in RAS [29–31], this intervention was initiated in the patient, after informed consent.

In small case clusters or isolated reports, inhibition of TNFα has been shown to alleviate aphthous stomatitis. In one study, Infliximab, a chimeric anti-TNFα antibody, administered intravenously was quite effective in managing recurrent or refractory oral and genital ulcers, with no evidence of recurrence [24]. In another study, Etanercept, a fusion protein of the TNF-α receptor and the Fc portion of human IgG1, had a favorable effect on RAS of the oral cavity. In one review, sixteen patients underwent treatment for refractory or severe aphthous ulcers with tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonists, between 1995 and 2010 [32]. Of the drugs used, infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab appeared to improve outcomes [32]. Sanchez-Cano et al., also reported improved outcomes with adalimumab in a patients with severe aphthous ulcers [33]. The role of cytokines such as TNFα in severe aphthous stomatitis, especially in underlying disorders such as CD needs to be clarified.

Approved uses for etanercept include treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis. Recently this drug has also been utilized to treat complications in patients with HIV infection [34]. Off-label use has extended to include Behcet’s disease, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, pemphigoid and lichen planus [29]. A study done by Pepple K. et al., showed that etanercept was used for treatment of Alzheimer disease with small significant improvement [35]. Another study done by Zalevsky et al., showed that the use of etanercept in HIV/AIDS does not increase morbidity or mortality; in contrast it may improve associated aphthous stomatitis, fatigue and dementia [36]. As with any other immunosuppressant, etanercept increases the risk of infections, lupus, systemic sclerosis and congestive heart failure. Etanercept may also increase risk of lymphoma, central nervous system disease such as multiple sclerosis, vasculitis and autoimmune hepatitis but in clinical trials appears to have a favorable risk-benefit ratio [37–39]. In the patient mentioned in this report, dramatic improvement in mucosal disease as well as in the systemic complications of fatigue an arthralgia was convincing enough to allow her to stay on etanercept, though the long term safety and efficacy are unknown and need to be evaluated before firm recommendations on such use could be recommended.

Conclusion

This patient had severe aphthous stomatitis complicating CD, impairing swallowing, chewing and speaking. This led to weight loss, psychosocial issues as well as inability to perform her work. A variety of topical and systemic medications used resulted in either no improvement or only partial alleviation of her symptoms. The use of etanercept resulted in remission of aphthous stomatitis and considerable improvement of quality of life. The use of newer biological for selected and severe manifestations of CD may lead to improved morbidity in these patients, but more studies are indicated.

References

  1. Gujral N, Freeman HJ, Thomson AB: Celiac disease: prevalence, diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment. World J Gastroenterol. 2012, 18 (42): 6036-6059. 10.3748/wjg.v18.i42.6036

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Rashid M, Zarkadas M, Anca A, Limeback H: Oral manifestations of celiac disease: a clinical guide for dentists. J Mich Dent Assoc. 2011, 93 (10): 42-46.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Kagnoff MF: Celiac disease. A gastrointestinal disease with environmental, genetic, and immunologic components. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 1992, 21 (2): 405-425.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Schuppan D: Current concepts of celiac disease pathogenesis. Gastroenterology. 2000, 119 (1): 234-242. 10.1053/gast.2000.8521

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Kupfer SS, Jabri B: Pathophysiology of celiac disease. Gastrointest Endosc Clin N Am. 2012, 22 (4): 639-660. 10.1016/j.giec.2012.07.003

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. McCabe MA, Toughill EH, Parkhill AM, Bossett MS, Jevic MS, Nye ML: Celiac disease: a medical puzzle. Am J Nurs. 2012, 112 (10): 34-44. 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000421019.77542.65.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Westerberg DP, Gill JM, Dave B, DiPrinzio MJ, Quisel A, Foy A: New strategies for diagnosis and management of celiac disease. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2006, 106 (3): 145-151.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Medina M, De PG, Ribes-Koninckx C, Calabuig M, Sanz Y: Bifidobacterium strains suppress in vitro the pro-inflammatory milieu triggered by the large intestinal microbiota of coeliac patients. J Inflamm (Lond). 2008, 5: 19. 10.1186/1476-9255-5-19

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Bucci P, Carile F, Sangianantoni A, D’Angio F, Santarelli A, Lo ML: Oral aphthous ulcers and dental enamel defects in children with coeliac disease. Acta Paediatr. 2006, 95 (2): 203-207. 10.1080/08035250500355022

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Ferguson MM, Wray D, Carmichael HA, Russell RI, Lee FD: Coeliac disease associated with recurrent aphthae. Gut. 1980, 21 (3): 223-226. 10.1136/gut.21.3.223

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Ferguson R, Basu MJ, Asquith P, Cooke WT: Proceedings: recurrent aphthous ulceration and its association with coeliac disease. Gut. 1975, 16 (5): 393.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. MacPhail L: Topical and systemic therapy for recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 1997, 16 (4): 301-307. 10.1016/S1085-5629(97)80020-X

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Eguia-del VA, Martinez-Conde-Llamosas R, Lopez-Vicente J, Uribarri-Etxebarria A, Aguirre-Urizar JM: Salivary levels of Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2011, 16 (1): e33-e36.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Thornhill MH, Baccaglini L, Theaker E, Pemberton MN: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of pentoxifylline for the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Arch Dermatol. 2007, 143 (4): 463-470.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Preshaw PM, Grainger P, Bradshaw MH, Mohammad AR, Powala CV, Nolan A: Subantimicrobial dose doxycycline in the treatment of recurrent oral aphthous ulceration: a pilot study. J Oral Pathol Med. 2007, 36 (4): 236-240. 10.1111/j.1600-0714.2007.00507.x

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Sharquie KE, Najim RA, Al-Hayani RK, Al-Nuaimy AA, Maroof DM: The therapeutic and prophylactic role of oral zinc sulfate in management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (ras) in comparison with dapsone. Saudi Med J. 2008, 29 (5): 734-738.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Davatchi F, Sadeghi AB, Tehrani BA, Shahram F, Nadji A, Shams H, Chams-Davatchi C: Colchicine versus placebo in Behcet’s disease: randomized, double-blind, controlled crossover trial. Mod Rheumatol. 2009, 19 (5): 542-549. 10.1007/s10165-009-0200-2

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. de Abreu MA, Hirata CH, Pimentel DR, Weckx LL: Treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis with clofazimine. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2009, 108 (5): 714-721. 10.1016/j.tripleo.2009.05.009

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Femiano F, Buonaiuto C, Gombos F, Lanza A, Cirillo N: Pilot study on recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS): a randomized placebo-controlled trial for the comparative therapeutic effects of systemic prednisone and systemic montelukast in subjects unresponsive to topical therapy. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2010, 109 (3): 402-407. 10.1016/j.tripleo.2009.10.024

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Lynde CB, Bruce AJ, Rogers RS III: Successful treatment of complex aphthosis with colchicine and dapsone. Arch Dermatol. 2009, 145 (3): 273-276.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Paterson DL, Georghiou PR, Allworth AM, Kemp RJ: Thalidomide as treatment of refractory aphthous ulceration related to human immunodeficiency virus infection. Clin Infect Dis. 1995, 20 (2): 250-254. 10.1093/clinids/20.2.250

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Evereklioglu C: Current concepts in the etiology and treatment of Behcet disease. Surv Ophthalmol. 2005, 50 (4): 297-350. 10.1016/j.survophthal.2005.04.009

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Zouboulis CC: Extended venous thrombosis in Adamantiades-Behcet’s disease. Eur J Dermatol. 2004, 14 (4): 268-271.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Haugeberg G, Velken M, Johnsen V: Successful treatment of genital ulcers with infliximab in Behcet’s disease. Ann Rheum Dis. 2004, 63 (6): 744-745. 10.1136/ard.2003.010975

    Article  PubMed Central  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Melikoglu M, Fresko I, Mat C, Ozyazgan Y, Gogus F, Yurdakul S, Hamuryudan V, Yazici H: Short-term trial of etanercept in Behcet’s disease: a double blind, placebo controlled study. J Rheumatol. 2005, 32 (1): 98-105.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Zouboulis CC, Orfanos CE: Treatment of Adamantiades-Behcet disease with systemic interferon alfa. Arch Dermatol. 1998, 134 (8): 1010-1016.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Jurge S, Kuffer R, Scully C, Porter SR: Mucosal disease series. Number VI. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Oral Dis. 2006, 12 (1): 1-21. 10.1111/j.1601-0825.2005.01143.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. O’Neill ID: Off-label use of biologicals in the management of inflammatory oral mucosal disease. J Oral Pathol Med. 2008, 37 (10): 575-581. 10.1111/j.1600-0714.2008.00693.x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Nowak M, Dziechciarz P, Dwilewicz-Trojaczek J: The frequency of coeliac disease occurrence in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)-preliminary report. Wiad Lek. 2002, 55 (9–10): 542-546.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Lewkowicz N, Lewkowicz P, Dzitko K, Kur B, Tarkowski M, Kurnatowska A, Tchorzewski H: Dysfunction of CD4+CD25high T regulatory cells in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis. J Oral Pathol Med. 2008, 37 (8): 454-461. 10.1111/j.1600-0714.2008.00661.x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Altenburg A, Zouboulis CC: Current concepts in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Skin Therapy Lett. 2008, 13 (7): 1-4.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. O’Neill ID: Efficacy of tumour necrosis factor-alpha antagonists in aphthous ulceration: review of published individual patient data. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2012, 26 (2): 231-235. 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2011.04041.x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Sanchez-Cano D, Callejas-Rubio JL, Ruiz-Villaverde R, Ortego-Centeno N: Recalcitrant, recurrent aphthous stomatitis successfully treated with adalimumab. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2009, 23 (2): 206. 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2008.02790.x

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Ting PT, Koo JY: Use of etanercept in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Int J Dermatol. 2006, 45 (6): 689-692. 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2005.02642.x

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Peppel K, Crawford D, Beutler B: A tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-IgG heavy chain chimeric protein as a bivalent antagonist of TNF activity. J Exp Med. 1991, 174 (6): 1483-1489. 10.1084/jem.174.6.1483

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Zalevsky J, Secher T, Ezhevsky SA, Janot L, Steed PM, O’Brien C, Eivazi A, Kung J, Nguyen DH, Doberstein SK, Erard F, Ryffel B, Szymkowski DE: Dominant-negative inhibitors of soluble TNF attenuate experimental arthritis without suppressing innate immunity to infection. J Immunol. 2007, 179 (3): 1872-1883.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Mehta PA, Svahn J, Davies SM, Pang Q, Harris R, Ghezzi P, Lanza T, Ferretti E, Barabino P, Mueller R, Dufour C: Etanercept treatment in Fanconi anaemia; combined US and Italian experience. Br J Haematol. 2012, 158 (6): 809-811. 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2012.09250.x

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Sokumbi O, Wetter DA, Makol A, Warrington KJ: Vasculitis associated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors. Mayo Clin Proc. 2012, 87 (8): 739-745. 10.1016/j.mayocp.2012.04.011

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Spadaro A, Lubrano E, Ferrara N, Scarpa R: Etanercept in psoriatic arthritis. J Rheumatol Suppl. 2012, 89: 74-76. 10.3899/jrheum.120250

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Guha Krishnaswamy.

Additional information

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors’ contributions

AH and HP carried out conception and design of the case report, AH, JL and GY carried out literature review, AH, HP, JL, GY and GK carried out drafting the case report and final approval of the version to be published, all authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Authors’ original submitted files for images

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 ), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hasan, A., Patel, H., Saleh, H. et al. Remission of severe aphthous stomatitis of celiac disease with etanercept. Clin Mol Allergy 11, 6 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-7961-11-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-7961-11-6

Keywords