Learn Glossary clinical condition

Celiac Disease

Chronic immune-mediated enteropathy of the small intestine triggered by dietary gluten (wheat, rye, barley) in genetically susceptible (HLA-DQ2/DQ8) individuals, characterized by villous atrophy and crypt hyperplasia.

Also: CD, Celiac sprue, Coeliac disease, Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy, Gluten-sensitive enteropathy

Affects ~1% of the global population, often undiagnosed. Serology: anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) plus total IgA; confirmation by duodenal biopsy (Marsh grade 2-3). Management is lifelong strict gluten-free diet (<20 ppm). Common nutrient deficits at diagnosis: iron, folate, B12, vitamin D, calcium, zinc. Refractory celiac disease (5% of adults) has poor prognosis and may evolve to enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma.

How each textbook covers it

  • duyff-complete-food-and-nutrition-guide-5e

  • Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed.Chapter 28

    Affects ~1% of the population. Diagnosis combines serology (tissue transglutaminase IgA, deamidated gliadin) with small bowel biopsy showing villous atrophy. The only treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, which heals the mucosa and resolves symptoms. Untreated celiac increases risk of nutrient deficiencies (iron, calcium, B12, folate), osteoporosis, infertility, and lymphoma.

  • Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed.Ch 81: Celiac Disease

    Affects ~1% of the global population, often undiagnosed. Serology: anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) plus total IgA; confirmation by duodenal biopsy (Marsh grade 2-3). Management is lifelong strict gluten-free diet (<20 ppm). Common nutrient deficits at diagnosis: iron, folate, B12, vitamin D, calcium, zinc. Refractory celiac disease (5% of adults) has poor prognosis and may evolve to enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma.

Related terms

Dermatitis Herpetiformis, Gluten, Gluten-Free Diet, Iron deficiency anemia, Lactose intolerance, Refractory Celiac Disease