The prevalence of occult celiac disease in this prospective study of patients presenting with iron-deficiency anemia was 2.8%. A significant number of other gastrointestinal lesions amenable to therapy were also found on upper and lower endoscopy in these patients. Given the treatable nature of celiac disease, it should be screened for in patients with unexplained iron-deficiency anemia with or without hemoccult-positive stools.

The development of gastric polyps after organ transplantation has not been previously reported. The development of these gastric polyps (hyperplastic and multiple) is concerning as a malignant potential has been recognized in patients harboring multiple hyperplastic gastric polyps. The exact cause of these polyps is unknown. The association with immunosuppressive therapy as well as the natural history of these acquired hyperplastic gastric polyps needs further investigation.

Treatment of small intestinal ulcers depends on the cause of the ulcers. Ulcerations of the small intestine (apart from duodenal ulcers) are uncommon. Two diverse syndromes of idiopathic small bowel ulcerations include the isolated nonspecific ulcer and idiopathic chronic ulcerative enteritis (ICUE). Treatment of isolated nonspecific ulcers include discontinuation of medications known to cause nonspecific ulcerations, balloon dilation of strictures, and segmental resection of involved segments. Treatment of ICUE includes a diet trial of gluten restriction and consideration of early surgery because of the potential for associated malignancies. Steroid therapy has not been shown to be effective in the treatment of ICUE.