Etymed
celiac sprue
Definition
A chronic inflammatory disease of the small intestine caused by gluten intolerance, characterized by damage to the intestinal villi and malabsorption
Clinical context
A 35-year-old woman presents with chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal distension over 6 months. She reports that symptoms improve when she avoids wheat products. Physical examination reveals pale conjunctivae and peripheral edema. Laboratory studies show iron deficiency anemia and elevated tissue transglutaminase antibodies. Biopsy of small bowel mucosa demonstrates flattened villi and increased intraepithelial lymphocytes.
Mnemonic
CELIAC sprue - 'Celiac Sprue' = 'C'eliac (gluten), 'E'nteropathy, 'L'ymphocytes, 'I'ntestinal villi, 'A'bsorption problems, 'C'eliac disease