Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Biopsy results

Olfy75
 Share

Recommended Posts

Olfy75 Apprentice
Olfy75
Posted

Hello 👋🏻 everyone ☺️

can you please help me understand my recent biopsy? 
 

Although my vili look normal, there’s CD3 lymphocytes. There is not indication on numbers, just that they are probably within normal ranges.

Is it normal to find lymphocytes? Shouldn’t they have indicated numbers/quantity? 
 

I remember my bladder biopsy (which I didn’t have at the same hospital) was much more detailed …

any input or explanation is highly appreciated ☺️

thank you!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Scott Adams Grand Master
Scott Adams
Posted

Be sure to ask your doctor about this result, but CD3 lymphocytes are a type of immune cell that plays a role in the body's immune response. In the context of celiac disease, the presence of increased CD3 lymphocytes in the small intestine's lining is an indicator of inflammation, which is commonly associated with celiac disease.

In some cases, individuals with early or mild stages of celiac disease may have normal-appearing villi during endoscopy, but increased CD3 lymphocytes suggest ongoing immune activity and the potential for the development of celiac disease over time.

Did you get a blood test for celiac disease, which typically happens before an endoscopy? If so, can you share those results?

Also, were you eating gluten daily before all of the tests?

Olfy75 Apprentice
Olfy75
Posted
  • Author
3 minutes ago, Scott Adams said:

Be sure to ask your doctor about this result, but CD3 lymphocytes are a type of immune cell that plays a role in the body's immune response. In the context of celiac disease, the presence of increased CD3 lymphocytes in the small intestine's lining is an indicator of inflammation, which is commonly associated with celiac disease.

In some cases, individuals with early or mild stages of celiac disease may have normal-appearing villi during endoscopy, but increased CD3 lymphocytes suggest ongoing immune activity and the potential for the development of celiac disease over time.

Did you get a blood test for celiac disease, which typically happens before an endoscopy? If so, can you share those results?

Also, were you eating gluten daily before all of the tests?

Hi Scott Adams thanks a lot for your answer.

yes I had the endoscopy because my test results were “inconclusive”, as one one value was elevated, also apparent the most non specific one.

these were the results:

TTG IgA 0.2 ELI U/ml  -reference

< 7.0 normal

7-10 equivocal 

> 10 positive

S-IgA (g/L) 1.16 g/L -Reference 0.41-3.49


ANTI GLIADIN IgA Ab 86.0 U/ml - reference < 7.0

Only the anti gliadin was positive both times I got tested one month apart.

Yes I made sure I was eating gluten the month before the endoscopy. Generally my gluten intake is very close to none (I have other autoimmune diseases and according to my urologist gluten is pro-inflammatory and I should limit it). But I made sure to have something with gluten every day prior the blood tests and biopsy. I hope it was enough.

My doctor who performed the biopsy said my results are “a puzzle”, the lymphocytes “normal” and that I should follow a low FODMAP (I already tried this…) diet as I probably have IBS and to take amytriptiline (tried it as well). 
And to get iron IV since I’m anemic and low in vit D. 
i’m still not well and I feel like I didn’t really get an answer. 
 

Any idea about what I should do?

thank you! 

Scott Adams Grand Master
Scott Adams
Posted

So if you've had two positive (your example is a very high positive result) for celiac disease, AND symptoms like low vitamin D and iron, AND the biopsy results that suggest possible celiac disease, then you most likely have celiac disease. Why your doctor does not want to diagnose it is a mystery to me, but the article below has more info about your blood test results, including:

Quote

The DGP-IgA test is considered to have high sensitivity and specificity. In general, the DGP-IgA test has been reported to have a sensitivity ranging from 75% to 95% and a specificity ranging from 90% to 100%. The DGP tests have been found to have a sensitivity of around 85-95% and a specificity of around 95-98%.

 

 

knitty kitty Grand Master
knitty kitty
Posted
(edited)

@Olfy75,

Anemia can cause false negatives on Celiac blood tests.  Anemia affects red blood cell production and also white blood cell production.  Antibodies (like anti-gluten antibodies) are in the white blood cell classification.  

And Amitriptyline.  Amitriptyline suppresses the immune system.   

AMITRIPTYLINE USAGE EXACERBATES THE IMMUNE SUPPRESSION FOLLOWING BURN INJURY

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5103308/

 

Have you been checked for Celiac genes? 

Edited by knitty kitty
Typo
Olfy75 Apprentice
Olfy75
Posted
  • Author
On 7/24/2023 at 7:23 PM, Scott Adams said:

So if you've had two positive (your example is a very high positive results) for celiac disease, AND symptoms like low vitamin D and iron, AND the biopsy results that suggest possible celiac disease, then you most likely have celiac disease. Why your doctor does not want to diagnose it is a mystery to me, but the article below has more info about your blood test results, including:

 

 

Thank you 🙏🏻 Scott Adams. 
I don’t know honestly, also biopsy results are very different where I am from (much more accurate in a way). 
But I sent it all to my doctor in the States and I’m waiting for him to revert back … 

Will update on his opinion!

Thanks for the article as well; it seems like the gliadin test I am positive for, is no longer regarded as “important” at present (this is what also my doc in the States said) but rather considered a misleading finding in otherwise “healthy” people 🤷🏼‍♀️

Olfy75 Apprentice
Olfy75
Posted
  • Author
On 7/25/2023 at 12:22 AM, knitty kitty said:

@Olfy75,

Anemia can cause false negatives on Celiac blood tests.  Anemia affects red blood cell production and also white blood cell production.  Antibodies (like anti-gluten antibodies) are in the white blood cell classification.  

And Amitriptyline.  Amitriptyline suppresses the immune system.   

AMITRIPTYLINE USAGE EXACERBATES THE IMMUNE SUPPRESSION FOLLOWING BURN INJURY

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5103308/

 

Have you been checked for Celiac genes? 

Hi Knitty Kitty, thanks for sharing the info, I didn’t know about the link anemia - false negative results.

As for amitriptyline, it affects cytokines, and neuro transmitters, that’s why it’s widely used for anxiety but also for painful conditions (they regulate both immunity AND inflammation, aka pain). I have an autoimmune condition and was given this drug in the past (hated it, stopped taking it very soon). 
not even going to start it.

I’m actually considering genetic testing, just not sure where to get them from, at the moment. Tbh I do not “want” to be celiac, I just want to feel better (and have some coherent answers). 
 

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


CAS7 Rookie
CAS7
Posted

Just one item I wanted to add to the conversation here (apologies if it's been mentioned) is the "Marsh Score" from the intestinal biopsy. Which is a grading system used to define the level of injury to the villi that lines the intestinal wall. It gives the patient valuable insight on how far the damage has progressed.

https://surgpathcriteria.stanford.edu/gi/celiac-disease/marsh.html

 

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to xxnonamexx's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      FDA looking for input on Celiac Gluten sensitivity labeling PLEASE READ and submit your suggestions

      Thank you for sharing this — it’s really important. The FDA is actively seeking public input on improving gluten and ingredient labeling, which could directly impact how people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity shop and stay safe. Clearer labeling would help reduce accidental gluten exposure and make it easier to identify hidden sources of gluten in ...
    2. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to lizzie42's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      1

      Low iron and vitamin d

      A low tTG is great news, but it doesn’t always mean the small intestine has fully healed yet—iron and vitamin D absorption can lag behind for months or even years, especially in young children. Many kids need supplements for a period of time while the gut repairs itself, and that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be lifelong. Morning stomach pain is also ...
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to xxnonamexx's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      Healthy Gluten Free Foods low sugar that you found?

      A lot of gluten-free packaged foods do rely on extra sugar, starches, or sodium to replace texture and flavor, so focusing on simpler options makes sense. Many people do better with naturally gluten-free proteins like eggs, plain yogurt, nuts, seeds, hummus, beans, and minimally processed protein bars with lower added sugar and higher fiber. Pairing those...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to lizzie42's topic in Traveling with Celiac Disease
      1

      Trip to Anaheim/Disney

      This article is a few of years old, but my still be helpful.
    5. trents
      - trents commented on Scott Adams's article in Winter 2026 Issue
      14

      Can You Really Trust Gluten-Free Menus? What Every Celiac Needs to Know Before Eating Out

      This is likely dependent on the sensitivity of the individual celiac.
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,244
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Nadene souza
    Newest Member
    Nadene souza
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      FDA looking for input on Celiac Gluten sensitivity labeling PLEASE READ and submit your suggestions

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Thank you for sharing this — it’s really important. The FDA is actively seeking public input on improving gluten and ingredient labeling, which could directly impact how people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity shop and stay safe. Clearer labeling would help reduce accidental gluten exposure and make it easier to identify hidden sources of gluten in foods. I encourage everyone here who is affected by celiac or gluten sensitivity to read the announcement and submit their own suggestions — real lived experience matters and can influence policy changes that benefit the whole community.
    • Scott Adams
      Low iron and vitamin d

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      A low tTG is great news, but it doesn’t always mean the small intestine has fully healed yet—iron and vitamin D absorption can lag behind for months or even years, especially in young children. Many kids need supplements for a period of time while the gut repairs itself, and that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be lifelong. Morning stomach pain is also commonly reported in celiac kids and can be related to slow healing, reflux, motility, or even low iron itself. It sounds like the supplements are clearly helping, which is reassuring, and ongoing monitoring with her doctor can help determine when (or if) doses can be reduced as absorption improves. The most common nutrient deficiencies associated with celiac disease that may lead to testing for the condition include iron, vitamin D, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.  Unfortunately many doctors, including my own doctor at the time, don't do extensive follow up testing for a broad range of nutrient deficiencies, nor recommend that those just diagnosed with celiac disease take a broad spectrum vitamin/mineral supplement, which would greatly benefit most, if not all, newly diagnosed celiacs. This article has more info:    
    • Scott Adams
      Healthy Gluten Free Foods low sugar that you found?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      A lot of gluten-free packaged foods do rely on extra sugar, starches, or sodium to replace texture and flavor, so focusing on simpler options makes sense. Many people do better with naturally gluten-free proteins like eggs, plain yogurt, nuts, seeds, hummus, beans, and minimally processed protein bars with lower added sugar and higher fiber. Pairing those with whole foods can help you feel more “normal” without triggering symptoms. Subscription boxes can be hit or miss, so checking labels carefully and using them as an occasional supplement—rather than a staple—often works best.
    • Scott Adams
      Trip to Anaheim/Disney

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      This article is a few of years old, but my still be helpful.  
    • knitty kitty
      Accuracy of testing concerns

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @McKinleyWY, For a genetic test, you don't have to eat gluten, but this will only show if you have the genes necessary for the development of Celiac disease.  It will not show if you have active Celiac disease.   Eating gluten stimulates the production of antibodies against gluten which mistakenly attack our own bodies.  The antibodies are produced in the small intestines.  Three grams of gluten are enough to make you feel sick and ramp up anti-gluten antibody production and inflammation for two years afterwards.  However, TEN grams of gluten or more per day for two weeks is required to stimulate anti-gluten antibodies' production enough so that the anti-gluten antibodies move out of the intestines and into the bloodstream where they can be measured in blood tests.  This level of anti-gluten antibodies also causes measurable damage to the lining of the intestines as seen on biopsy samples taken during an endoscopy (the "gold standard" of Celiac diagnosis).   Since you have been experimenting with whole wheat bread in the past year or so, possibly getting cross contaminated in a mixed household, and your immune system is still so sensitized to gluten consumption, you may want to go ahead with the gluten challenge.   It can take two years absolutely gluten free for the immune system to quit reacting to gluten exposure.   Avoiding gluten most if the time, but then experimenting with whole wheat bread is a great way to keep your body in a state of inflammation and illness.  A diagnosis would help you stop playing Russian roulette with your and your children's health.      
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.