Celiac Disease – Small Intestine (Duodenum Bulb, 2nd, 3rd)

What it is:
An autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten (found in wheat, barley, rye). Exposure leads to villous atrophy in the small intestine, reducing nutrient absorption.

Symptoms:
Symptoms vary widely and may include:

• Chronic diarrhea or constipation

• Bloating and gas

• Abdominal discomfort

• Weight loss or malabsorption

• Iron-deficiency anemia

• Fatigue

• Dermatitis herpetiformis (itchy rash)
  
  

Causes / Risk Factors:

• Autoimmune reaction to gluten

• Genetic predisposition (HLA-DQ2/DQ8)

• Other autoimmune conditions (Type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease)

• Family history of celiac disease
  
  

Associated Conditions Seen on EGD:

• Scalloping of folds

• Villous blunting

• Nodularity

• Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes
  
  

Treatment:

• Strict lifelong gluten-free diet

• Nutritional supplementation when needed (iron, B12, folate, vitamin D)

• Follow-up antibody monitoring

• In rare refractory cases → immunosuppressants