Confused by Results

[Sharon Barrett]

Hello! I'm looking for some help interpreting my fairly straightforward endoscopy results that are included below in italics.

My biggest question concerns the statement associated with the clinical diagnosis which states "R/O celiac disease": What does this statement mean? (I was under the impression that "R/O" means "rule out" which would mean this is a negative diagnosis and that celiac disease was not found. However, both biopsies have notes stating "The findings are consistent with celiac disease."

Any help understanding this is much appreciated!!!

 

Specimen(s) Received
A: Duodenum Biopsy
B: Duodenal Bulb

Final Diagnosis

A: Duodenum Biopsy:
Duodenal mucosa showing partial villous atrophy with blunting, increased intraepithelial lymphocytes and crypt hyperplasia.
The findings are consistent with celiac disease.

B: Duodenal Bulb Biopsy:
Duodenal mucosa showing partial villous atrophy with blunting, increased intraepithelial lymphocytes and crypt hyperplasia.
The findings are consistent with celiac disease.

Clinical diagnosis and History

R/O celiac disease

Gross Description

The specimen is received fixed in formalin in two containers labeled with the patient's name, medical record number, and identified as A. "Duodenum Biopsy" and B. "Duodenal Bulb".

Specimen A consists of multiple pieces of tan-pink soft tissue measuring 0.8 x 0.5 x 0.1 cm in aggregate. The specimen is submitted in toto in a single cassette labeled A.

Specimen B consists of multiple pieces of tan-pink soft tissue measuring 0.6 x 0.4 x 0.1 cm in aggregate. The specimen is submitted in toto in a single cassette labeled B.

[kareng]

“Rule out x” does not mean they have actually “ruled” it out.  This is a phrase that doctors use to justify a test- they wanted to do the Endo to see if you have Celiac.  This cannot be a final diagnosis- it’s just the reason for a test.

 

for example - 5 year old brother talks 2 year old brother into jumping off the top of the sofa.  Now  2 year old won’t walk on his leg.  So I take him for an X-ray to “ rule out broken bones”.  The xrays are fine so - no broken bone.  The diagnosis is now “ sprain” and “ broken bone ruled out”.  Big bro looses privileges and little bro gets ice cream ( based on a true story).  
 

that letter “D” on the end is important 

 

edited to add- Welcome to the Celiac club”

Edited January 3, 2020 by kareng

[Ennis-TX]

" Duodenal mucosa showing partial villous atrophy with blunting, "
Looks like you have it, Celiac Disease destroys the Villi and the only known cure is a 100% gluten free diet for life.

Feel free to check out the newbie101 thread to get a idea, if the doctors are finished testing and told you to go ahead and start gluten free then do so. If you have more testing then you have to keep eating it til all testing is done.

If you have any questions or need support feel free to ask.

[Sharon Barrett]

1 hour ago, kareng said:

“Rule out x” does not mean they have actually “ruled” it out.  This is a phrase that doctors use to justify a test- they wanted to do the Endo to see if you have Celiac.  This cannot be a final diagnosis- it’s just the reason for a test.

That makes sense. Thanks for your reply!

41 minutes ago, Ennis_TX said:

If you have any questions or need support feel free to ask.

Thanks for the support!