Ceroid enteropathy and vitamin E deficiency
Lee, S.P.; Nicholson, G.I.
New Zealand Medical Journal 83(563): 318-320
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-8446 PMID: 1066555 Document Number: 101363
Three adult patients with chronic malabsorption and vitamin E deficiency are described; laparotomy indicated that all had ceroid (polymerized peroxidized polyunsaturated fatty acids) deposited in the intestine. The macroscopic and microscopic appearances of the brown bowel were similar. In 1 patient, who had polyarteritis, the pigments regressed and malabsorption improved after treatment with prednisone. Another patient had gluten enteropathy which improved on a strict gluten-free diet. In the third patient, who had tropical sprue, vitamin E deficiency improved after treatment with 200 mg tocopherol 3 times daily for 3 weeks.