title: Celiac disease diagnosis and management: a 46-year-old woman with anemia.
abstract: Celiac disease is one of the most prevalent autoimmune gastrointestinal disorders, but as the case of Ms J illustrates, diagnosis is often delayed or missed. Based on serologic studies, the prevalence of celiac disease in many populations is estimated to be approximately 1% and has been increasing steadily over the last 50 years. Evaluation for celiac disease is generally straightforward and uses commonly available serologic tests; however, the signs and symptoms of celiac disease are nonspecific and highly heterogeneous, making diagnosis difficult. Although celiac disease is often considered a mild disorder treatable with simple dietary changes, in reality celiac disease imparts considerable risks, including reduced bone mineral density, impaired quality of life, and increased overall mortality. In addition, a gluten-free diet is highly burdensome and can profoundly affect patients and their families. For these reasons, care of individuals with celiac disease requires prompt diagnosis and ongoing multidisciplinary management.
authors: Department of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. dleffler@caregroup.harvard.edu
authors: Daniel
authors: D
authors: Leffler
mesh_terms: D001323:Autoantibodies; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D055050:Diet, Gluten-Free; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D012306:Risk; D011503:Transglutaminases / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D011503:Transglutaminases