Endoscopy - Biopsy

[debmidge]

I had endoscopy this week as I have been having non stop "D" for a month now.

Dr. told me he took biopsy for the H. Pylori bacteria and to rule out celiac disease.

My question is: wouldn't he see flattened villi to determine celiac? (I did not have flattened villi). How would dr. then get a determination of celiac from a tissue sample?

Thanks for your help.

[Lisa]

Yes, Deb through the biopsy sample. Although, at times a doctor can see visible damage. Directly from my endo, my doctor explained to my husband that is saw stunted villi and visually confirmed Celiac pre pathologic report.

Please take note though, there are other causes for blunted villi aside from Celiac. It is most consistant with Celiac, but not exclusive too.

Hope you find your cause and feel better soon.

[jerseyangel]

My question is: wouldn't he see flattened villi to determine celiac? (I did not have flattened villi). How would dr. then get a determination of celiac from a tissue sample?

Damage to the villi isn't always visible to the eye--it can be microscopic and be seen only when biopsied.

[Lisa]

Deb, I found this article particularly interesting and it answered some of my questions as well.

Open Original Shared Link

Celiac diasease biopsy: What are other possible causes of biopsy changes that mimic celiac disease?

Cow’s milk protein sensitive enteropathy (CMSE), viral or bacterial infections, medications (especially aspirin like arthritis medications e.g. ibuprofen etc), autoimmune enteropathy, Helicobacter pylori infection (the stomach ulcer bacteria), AIDs, common variable immunodeficiency, and lymphoma of the intestine are all possible causes of small intestine changes that may mimic celiac. However, if you have classic celiac type symptoms, a positive celiac specific antibody (anti-endomysial antibody or tissue transglutaminase antibody) and a positive response to a gluten free diet then celiac is the likely cause. The likelihood is further increased if you carry one or both of the two major genes associated with celiac disease, DQ2 and/or DQ8. Normalization of celiac specific blood tests and the biopsy after a gluten free diet confirms the diagnosis of celiac disease.

I only added this because I know that you have a close family member with Celiac. I would assume that you would be gluten light due to this.

Good luck in your search and please let us know.