Coeliac disease

Celiac disease is a permanent intestinal intolerance to gluten, a protein contained in some cereals. The pathogenesis of the disease is unknown, but probably related to immunological, genetical and environmental factors. The diagnosis of celiac disease requires the demonstration of a villous atrophy of the mucosa obtained from the proximal small intestine by biopsy. The mode of presentation of celiac disease is variable and atypical, paucisymptomatic or asymptomatic features are frequently described. At present, new diagnostic tools (serological markers) are used for screening for celiac disease and new diagnostic criteria are suggested. Removal of gluten from the diet is the treatment for the disease.