Coeliac disease (CD) is a lifelong inflammatory condition of the gastro-intes-tinal (GI) tract that affects the small intestine in genetically susceptible individuals. On small bowel biopsy there is a characteristic, although not specific, mucosal trias of villous atrophy, crypt hyperplasia, and increased intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) that impairs nutrient absorption by the involved bowel. Prompt improvement of nutrient absorption and healing of the characteristic intestinal mucosal trias is seen upon withdrawal of gluten from the diet.
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