[Screening for celiac disease in adults]

This article is a review of literature from Medline and other sources, which shows that coeliac disease is far more prevalent than previously considered. The clinical picture is very diverse, making diagnosis difficult in many patients and calling for great clinical awareness. Even patients with no or few symptoms have biochemical signs of malabsorption, e.g. folate, vitamin, and iron deficiency, and many exhibit osteopenia. Patients with untreated coeliac disease carry a significant risk of developing malignancies. Risk groups for screening are family members, patients with coeliac associated disorders, and patients with uncharacteristic symptoms. Screening among apparently healthy subjects has been carried out for epidemiological purposes, but is not recommended outside protocols. Diagnosing coeliac disease is important because lifelong strict dietary treatment is effective in alleviating symptoms and preventing longterm complications.