A biopsy is not always necessary to diagnose XXXX .

@entity1 @entity1373 @entity194 @entity1593
OBJECTIVES: Small intestinal histology is the criterion standard for the diagnosis of @entity1593 ( @entity1593 ). However, results of serological tests such as anti-endomysium antibodies and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTGA) are becoming increasingly reliable. This raises the question of whether a small intestinal biopsy is always necessary. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to investigate whether a small intestinal biopsy can be avoided in a selected group of @entity1 . @entity1 AND METHODS: Serology and histological slides obtained from 283 pediatric @entity1 suspected of having @entity1593 were examined retrospectively. The response to a @entity1593 ( @entity1593 ) in @entity1 with a tTGA level >=  100 U/mL was investigated. RESULTS: A tTGA level >=  100 U/mL was found in 128 of the 283 @entity1 . Upon microscopic examination of the small intestinal epithelium, @entity194 was found in 124 of these @entity1 , confirming the presence of @entity1593 . Three @entity1 had crypt @entity1373 or an increased number of intraepithelial lymphocytes. In 1 @entity1 no histological abnormalities were found. This @entity1 did not respond to a @entity1593 . CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric @entity1 with a tTGA level >=  100 U/mL in whom symptoms improve upon consuming a @entity1593 may not need a small intestinal biopsy to confirm @entity1593 .
