Coeliac disease: an update for pathologists

• Published in: Journal of clinical pathology Vol. 59; no. 10; pp. 1008 - 1016
• Main Authors: Dickson, B C, Streutker, C J, Chetty, R
• Format: Journal Article Book Review
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Association of Clinical Pathologists 01-10-2006; BMJ; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Group
• Subjects: Antigens; Barley; Biological and medical sciences; Biopsy; Celiac disease; Celiac Disease - pathology; Cytokines; Diagnosis, Differential; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Gluten; HLA; human leucocyte antigen; Humans; IELs; Intestinal Mucosa - pathology; Intestine, Small - pathology; intraepithelial lymphocytes; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Lymphocytes; Medical sciences; natural killer; Other diseases. Semiology; Pathogenesis; Pathology; Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques; Patients; Review; Specimen Handling - methods; Stomach. Duodenum. Small intestine. Colon. Rectum. Anus; T helper; Immunopathology; Digestive diseases; Intestinal disease; Anatomic pathology; Coeliac disease; Intestinal malabsorption
• ISSN: 0021-9746; 1472-4146
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2005.035345

Coeliac disease is the manifestation of an immune hypersensitivity reaction towards gluten and related proteins, in genetically predisposed people. Although the precise pathogenesis of this condition remains to be fully elucidated, it is probably multifactorial in origin. The diagnosis of coeliac disease has traditionally depended on intestinal biopsies alone; nowadays, the diagnosis has been expanded to include an array of serological markers. This review is intended to offer pathologists an update of the relevant history and immunopathology pertaining to coeliac disease and also to offer recommendations on the ongoing responsibilities of the pathologist in the diagnosis and reporting of coeliac disease.