Celiac disease (CD) is a common autoimmune
disorder, induced by the intake of gluten proteins present
in wheat, barley and rye. Previously, it was considered to be
a rare childhood disorder, but is actually considered a frequent
condition, present at any age, which may have multiple
complications. Active CD is characterized by intestinal and/or
extra-intestinal symptoms, villous atrophy and crypt hyperplasia,
and strongly positive IgA anti-endomysial antibody
(EMA) and tissue transglutaminase (tTG) auto-antibodies.
The duodenal biopsy is considered to be the "gold standard"
for diagnosis. |
