Juvenile dermatitis herpetiformis in Jamaica: clinical and gastrointestinal features

The clinical features and investigations relating to gastrointestinal function are presented in 12 cases of juvenile dermatitis herpetiformis seen over a period of 2 years in Jamaica. None of the children had evidence of steatorrhoea. Jejunal biopsy in 10 cases showed normal mucosa in 1, ridging and convolutions in 8 and a flat mucosa in 1. Electronmicroscopical changes are also described. Lactase deficiency malnutrition in infancy or at the time of biopsy. An interesting feature was relapse following iodine contrast media used during jejunal biopsy and a high incidence of iodine in drinking water in some parts of Jamaica. (AU)