Case Study and Case Report 2024; 14(3): 23 - 26.

Li R, Li F. First Diagnosis of Celiac Disease in a Chinese Descent Patient with Unexplained Abdominal Pain After Intake of Unmilled Rice: A Case Report. Case Study and Case Report 2024; 14(3): 23 - 26. ABSTRACT Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals, is commonly diagnosed in populations of European descent. However, its presentation in non-European populations, particularly in Asia, remains rare and often under-recognized 1 - 5. This case report describes the first diagnosis of celiac disease in a Chinese patient with an ancestral background of Western descent. The patient, a 38-year-old female, presented with persistent, unexplained abdominal pain after consuming unmilled rice, a common food in her local diet. Despite a lack of typical Western risk factors for celiac disease, such as family history or prior diagnosis, genetic testing revealed the presence of HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 alleles, confirming the diagnosis. This report highlights the need for heightened awareness and consideration of celiac disease in diverse ethnic populations, particularly when patients present with unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms after gluten consumption. Keywords: Celiac disease, Chinese descent, Abdominal pain, Gluten intolerance, HLA-DQ2