[Celiac disease in disguise]

Contrarily to a widely prevalent opinion, celiac disease frequently affects adults, and only rarely reveals itself by the classical triad of diarrhea--weight loss--nutritional deficiency. In addition to isolated deficiencies, most frequently iron and calcium-vitamin D, celiac disease is commonly associated with atypical, sometimes very commonplace manifestations, such as abdominal symptoms reminiscent of those of irritable bowel syndrome, or type I diabetes. The diagnostic process is now made easier by the availability of antitransglutaminase antibodies dosage, a simple, trustworthy, sensitive and specific test. This review article discusses the many clinical pictures which should prompt the clinician to rule out celiac disease, and provides practical guidelines as to the use and interpretation of serologic tests.