GLUTEN-SENSITIVE ENTEROPATHY

Gluten-sensitive enteropathy (coeliac disease) is a permanent intestin al intolerance to gliadin that produces lesions (most likely immunolog ically mediated) in genetically susceptible individuals. Important adv ances have been made in the past decade, mainly in the understanding o f genetic basis and aberration of the mucosal immune response in coeli ac patients. This article also discusses the entire spectrum of gluten -sensitive disease and the relevant new terminology (e.g., silent, lat ent, or potential coeliac disease). Finally, new information on epidem iology, laboratory tests, and diagnosis is provided.