Objective Case report may improve link between immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and caeliac disease (CD).

Methods We report a 12-year-old female admitted for evaluation of recurrent abdominal pain, pallor and purpura that had been evolving over the previous 3 months. Physical examination revealed mucosal pallor and purpura in the lower extremities. The remaining physical examination was normal. Complete blood count showed moderate anaemia and severe thrombocytopenia. A diagnosis of ITP was made. Because of the associated recurrent abdominal pain and anaemia, checking for CD was performed and then confirmed by biological and histological examination. A gluten-free diet was initiated. Evolution of both ITP and CD was favourable.

Conclusion CD may increase risk of ITP. A link between the two conditions is important to recognize because treatment of CD may lead to remission of ITP.