Isolated iron deficiency: an atypical manifestation of celiac disease.

A 38-year-old woman presented with iron-deficiency anemia in 1983. Eight years later, she developed classic symptoms of celiac disease, ie, diarrhea, weight loss, and diminished appetite. New noninvasive blood tests and the ease with which small bowel biopsies can be achieved are having an impact on the clinical pattern of the disease. This report includes a discussion of anemia as the presenting sign of celiac disease and a review of the literature.