It’s very likely that the biopsy will remain the gold standard for years to come; approximately 90% of new cases are diagnosed using an endoscopic biopsy as part of the diagnosis.
Only in rare cases is a diagnosis made without a biopsy as part of the diagnosis. In these rare cases a patient must have at least one of the genes for celiac disease, tTG and EMA elevated more than 10x normal, and a positive response to a gluten-free diet.
Those who should receive a biopsy to diagnose celiac disease include those with:
- Positive antibody blood test prior to starting a gluten-free diet.
- Unexplained iron deficiency anemia not responding to therapy.
- Early osteoporosis.
- Neuropathy/ataxia.
December, 2012