Coeliac Disease Flashcards
What is coeliac disease?
An autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the small intestine
What is the gene association of coeliac disease?
HLA-DQ2 gene
What are the gastrointestinal symptoms of coeliac disease?
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Steatorrhoea
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhoea
Constipation
What are the systemic symptoms of coeliac disease?
Failure to thrive in children
Fatigue
Weight loss
Dermatitis herpatiformis
Severe or persistent mouth ulcers
What autoantibodies for coeliac disease exist?
Anti-TTG (tissue transglutaminase)
EMA - endomysial antibodies
What kind of antibodies are anti-TTG and EMA?
IgA
What is the first line investigation of coeliac disease?
Anti-TTG IgA
What else should be tested for in coeliac disease that could impact investigation results?
Total IgA level - IgG levels of anti-TTG can be used
What is the second line investigation of coeliac disease?
Anti-EMA
What is the definitive investigation of coeliac disease?
Small bowel biopsy
What would a small bowel biopsy show in a coeliac patient?
Crypt hyperplasia
Vilious atrophy
Lamina propria infiltrated with lymphocytes
Increase in intraepithelial lymphocytes
What is the definitive management of coeliac disease?
Life-long gluten free diet
What conditions is coeliac disease associated with?
Type 1 diabetes
Thyroid disease
Autoimmune hepatitis
Primary biliary sclerosis
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
What type of malignancy is associated with coeliac disease?
Enteropathy associated T cell lymphoma
What is the management of coeliac disease?
A life-long gluten free diet
