01 March 2006 | Wolfgang Holtmeier* and Wolfgang F Caspary
Celiac disease is a chronic intestinal disorder characterized by intolerance to gluten, leading to immune-mediated enteropathy, malabsorption of nutrients, and vitamins. The disease is primarily mediated by the immune system, with tissue-transglutaminase (tTG) acting as an autoantigen. Symptoms can vary widely, from asymptomatic to severe gastrointestinal issues, and can also include extraintestinal manifestations such as neurological disorders and autoimmune diseases. Diagnosis involves endoscopy with jejunal biopsy and serological testing for tTG antibodies. Treatment consists of a lifelong gluten-free diet, which can lead to significant clinical and histological improvement but may take years to fully normalize the intestinal mucosa. The exact mechanisms of disease development are not fully understood, but they involve a complex interplay between genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and the immune response.Celiac disease is a chronic intestinal disorder characterized by intolerance to gluten, leading to immune-mediated enteropathy, malabsorption of nutrients, and vitamins. The disease is primarily mediated by the immune system, with tissue-transglutaminase (tTG) acting as an autoantigen. Symptoms can vary widely, from asymptomatic to severe gastrointestinal issues, and can also include extraintestinal manifestations such as neurological disorders and autoimmune diseases. Diagnosis involves endoscopy with jejunal biopsy and serological testing for tTG antibodies. Treatment consists of a lifelong gluten-free diet, which can lead to significant clinical and histological improvement but may take years to fully normalize the intestinal mucosa. The exact mechanisms of disease development are not fully understood, but they involve a complex interplay between genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and the immune response.