It could mean there are other conditions concomitantly causing the symptoms, and they should be thoroughly investigated. If none are found, then the possibility of “refractory sprue” (refractory celiac disease) should be examined by a knowledgeable medical professional.
(Updated .)Keyword: positive biopsy
Is it possible to have a negative blood test, but a positive biopsy?
While rare, it is possible to have a negative blood test and still have celiac disease. tTG sensitivity is approximately 98%, which means that 2% of all celiacs may have a normal tTG level. Sometimes tTG antibodies are not produced enough to show up in the blood stream and can only be detected in the… Read more »
(Updated .)Could you have positive blood work and a positive biopsy and not have celiac disease?
Positive blood work (meaning tTG or EMA) and a biopsy consistent with celiac disease are rarely due to other causes. However, Crohn’s disease is known to be often associated with low positive tTG and the changes in the duodenal biopsies can indeed be similar.
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