Endoscopy Results...please Help

[KathleenBP]

I am recently new to the group. I had questions regarding my doctor's diagnosis - gluten sensitivity only. Blood work was negative; however, biopsy results were positve according to him. He wasn't too concerned. I requested a copy of the pathology report and the final diagnosis stated: Mild chronic duondentis with subtotal villous atrophy and features suggestive of celiac sprue. There was moderate blunting of the villous.

How can it be suggestive of celiac but not be celiac disease??? I have been gluten free for almost 3 weeks and have seen signs of improvement. I just really want a correct diagnosis so that I can stop stressing myself out. I have been trying to find a doctor in the area (Connecticut) who specializes in celiac but have not yet been successful...I really want a second opinion.

If anyone understands the medical terminolgy or has any suggestions, I would be very thankful.

PS. This website has been extremely helpful in my process to being gluten free.

Thanks again,

Kathleen

[Ursa Major]

Your endoscopy results in combination with a positive response to the diet is diagnostic for celiac disease. Stop stressing yourself out over ignorant doctors and keep getting well on the gluten-free diet!

[mftnchn]

This looks pretty clear as a diagnosis. Because there are some other causes of villous atrophy, the pathology uses the term suggestive. But celiac is the most probable for sure especially with your positive dietary response.

My concern about your doctor is that he really doesn't sound educated about celiac and you need someone who will follow you up and check for malabsorption of vitamins, minerals, etc. and for other autoimmune conditions that can co-exist. So I think you should keep searching for a doctor to follow up.

Try the local celiac support group for a referral maybe.