What diagnostic test is indicated for celiac disease?

The indicated diagnostic test for celiac disease is endoscopy with biopsy. This approach is essential because celiac disease is characterized by an autoimmune response to gluten, which leads to damage of the small intestine mucosa. During an endoscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth into the small intestine. This allows direct visualization of the intestinal lining and the opportunity to obtain biopsy samples. The biopsy results will demonstrate villous atrophy, which is a hallmark of celiac disease.

While blood tests for specific antibodies (such as anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies) are often performed first to screen for the disease, only a biopsy from the small intestine can confirm the diagnosis. Imaging studies like ultrasounds are not typically useful for diagnosing celiac disease and stool analysis would not provide definitive evidence of the intestinal damage caused by the disease. Endoscopy with biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis.