How to diagnose coeliac disease in 2026?
Coeliac disease (CD) is a chronic, immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals carrying HLA-DQ2 and/or -DQ8 alleles. Its diagnosis traditionally combines serology and confirmatory duodenal biopsy. IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase is the first-line test, supported by endomysial antibody. Duodenal histology remains the gold standard, though limitations include patchy involvement and variability in interpretation. Recent advances have proposed biopsy-sparing approaches, whereas applicability in adults remains debated. Moreover, CD is increasingly recognized in association with autoimmune conditions, including type 1 diabetes mellitus and autoimmune thyroid disease, underscoring the importance of proactive screening. However, distinguishing true CD from potential CD or false-positive serology requires careful clinical integration and, often, biopsy confirmation. Mass screening appears to demonstrate high yield and potential cost-effectiveness compared with case-finding. However, evidence is emerging and not yet definitive, and its implementation remains limited. For patients already on a gluten-free diet, gluten challenge protocols combined with HLA genotyping enhance diagnostic accuracy. Overall, while duodenal biopsy is still pivotal in most guidelines, evolving evidence supports a tailored, less invasive approach that integrates serology, genetics, histology, and novel diagnostics to improve early detection and management of CD.
Authors
Manza Manza, Sammartino Sammartino, Nandi Nandi, Markogiannopoulou Markogiannopoulou, Lungaro Lungaro, Shiha Shiha
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