Refractory sprue is the term used when persistently damaged villi in the small intestine are not repaired after the gluten free diet has been successfully initiated and/or maintained, and other potential causes for the damage have been ruled out.
(Updated .)Keyword: refractory sprue
If someone has positive blood test, positive biopsy, but no response to a gluten-free diet would that mean something other than celiac disease?
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.
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