[Chronic diarrhoea: when is it celiac disease and when not?]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Internal Medicine
• Clinical Diagnostics

Context:

• Chronic diarrhoea, persisting over four weeks, presents a diagnostic challenge due to diverse underlying causes.
• Differential diagnoses span from normal variations in bowel habits to severe malabsorption syndromes.
• A systematic physician approach is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Purpose:

• To propose a structured algorithm for diagnosing chronic diarrhoea.
• To detail the clinical features of celiac disease as a model for malabsorptive diarrhoea.

Summary:

• This article outlines a systematic diagnostic algorithm for chronic diarrhoea.
• It emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to differentiate various causes, from benign to severe malabsorption.
• Celiac disease is discussed as a representative condition in the context of malabsorptive chronic diarrhoea.

Impact:

• Provides clinicians with a practical tool for managing patients with chronic diarrhoea.
• Enhances understanding of celiac disease's role in chronic malabsorptive conditions.
• Aids in timely and accurate diagnosis, leading to improved patient outcomes.