Celiac disease: what's new about it?

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Immunology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by gluten intolerance.
• Diagnosis of CD is increasing due to recognition of diverse symptoms and extraintestinal manifestations.
• Classical CD presents with malabsorption symptoms, while atypical forms often show predominant extraintestinal features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical and diagnostic features of celiac disease.
• To summarize new findings on extraintestinal manifestations in CD.
• To highlight the importance of recognizing atypical and silent CD forms.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on celiac disease diagnosis and manifestations.
• Analysis of clinical presentations, including classical, atypical, silent, potential, and latent CD.
• Discussion of diagnostic criteria and associated extraintestinal features.

Main Results:

• CD diagnosis is becoming more frequent with broader symptom recognition.
• Atypical CD forms are characterized by predominant extraintestinal symptoms.
• Silent CD, potential CD, and latent CD represent distinct clinical presentations requiring specific diagnostic approaches.

Conclusions:

• Early recognition of atypical and silent celiac disease is vital.
• Undiagnosed CD increases the risk of severe long-term complications.
• Comprehensive understanding of CD spectrum aids in timely diagnosis and management.