Prevalence of celiac disease in dyspeptic patients.
BACKGROUND
Celiac disease is one of the most common dietary-mediated inflammatory enteropathies that occur in genetically predisposed individuals in response to gluten intolerance. This disorder has become more common than in the past, even if it frequently remains undetected for long periods of time. The screening of patients with dyspepsia, a symptom that can be a manifestation of celiac disease, may allow an early identification of affected individuals. Endoscopy and serological tests may have an important role in the management of these patients.


OBJECTIVE
Determining the prevalence of celiac disease in dyspeptic patients submitted to routine diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.


METHODS
Endoscopic findings, duodenal biopsy histological specimens and serological test results were assessed and compared in 142 patients consecutively admitted with dyspeptic symptoms between October 2001 and October 2003.


RESULTS
An endoscopic pattern suggestive of celiac disease was observed in four patients. The IgG-AGA assay was positive in 24 patients. Two of the IgG-AGA positive patients also yielded positive results on the IgA-EMA test and concomitantly disclosed endoscopic pattern and histological features in duodenal biopsy compatible with celiac disease. Abnormal endoscopic findings were notably marked in biopsy proven celiac patients. Therefore, a 1.4% prevalence of celiac disease was observed in this study group.


CONCLUSIONS
The high prevalence of celiac among dyspeptic symptomatic individuals indicates that they are a higher risk group for developing celiac disease. Undiagnosed celiac disease may be inferred by endoscopic markers of duodenal villous atrophy. Endoscopic findings, however, may be inadequate to suitably diagnose this disease and consequently the incorporation of diagnostic serologic assays of celiac disease in routine testing for dyspepsia is strongly recommended.
Lima
Vinícius Machado de
VM
Dept. of Internal Medicine, Brasilia School of Medicine, University of Brasilia, DF, Brazil. viniciusbsb@brturbo.com
Gandolfi
Lenora
L
Pires
José Augusto de Araújo
JA
Pratesi
Riccardo
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D004378:Duodenal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000150:complications*; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence