gastrointestinal disorders
Celiac Disease
Key Points
Celiac disease involves an inflammatory response to gluten that causes villous atrophy and malabsorption. People of northern European heritage are most often affected. Suspect the diagnosis if the serologic markers anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody and anti-endomysial antibody are present and confirm the diagnosis with a small-bowel biopsy. Instruct the patient to follow a gluten-free diet and replace any vitamin or mineral deficiencies. 