Coeliac Disease

Question 1

What is Coeliac Disease?

Answer 1

Autoimmune = inflammation all bowel/intestine.

Common trigger - gluten.

Question 2

Pathology of Coeliac Disease?

Answer 2

Inflammation = villi atrophy, leads to malabsorption.

Question 3

Presentation of Coeliac Disease (generic + significant)?

Answer 3

Generic: Abdominal pain, distention, ulcers, nausea/vomiting
Significant: Diarrhoea, Weight Loss/malnutrition + Anaemia (especially B12/Iron)

Question 4

Linked Conditions?

Answer 4

T1DM (ALWAYS look for), Hepatitis + Cholangitis (1ary + sclerosing)

Question 5

Investigations for Coeliac Disease?

Answer 5

1) Routine Bloods - FBCs, LFTs, CRP etc.

2) Antibody screen: Serum IgA (Low) + Auto-antibodies (Anti-TTG + Anti-EMA)

Question 6

How to confirm diagnosis?

Answer 6

Endoscopy/Biopsy: Shows Villi Atrophy

Question 7

Managing Coeliac Disease?

Answer 7

Lifelong gluten free diet, monitor antibodies regularly.