Diagnosis of celiac disease at 68 years of age

Posted by kathyhg @kathyhg, Jan 31 8:29am

I was recently diagnosed with celiac disease after a blood test for Tissue Transglutaminase Ab Iba, on which my score was 75.0 or HI/positive (under 12 is normal?).

I’ve heard that a biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing celiac disease but I’ve already started eliminating gluten from my diet and I’d have to eat gluten again before the test. I’ve also heard that the blood test is adequate to diagnose celiac, along with diet change and sort of the day to day evidence related to following a gluten free diet.

It’s been recommended to me that I get a referral to a gastroenterologist to do any other testing that I might need and to assist with management.

I’m hopeful that others who may have experience with this can offer some suggestions and/or reference a thread here that might give me more information. Is the biopsy necessary? Are there other tests that are needed, considering late onset of this disease?

Thanks in advance.

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graceym1 | @graceym1 | Jan 31 10:02am

Good morning. I was diagnosed with MALS about two weeks ago. In order to have a true diagnosis you need to have a special ultrasound done at a vascular surgeons office. As well as a cta a cat scan with contrast of your stomach. I have a consult with my surgeon in early March. The only cure is surgery. And there are 3 types. You can look up MALS foundation. It will give you so much information about this rare disease. This is the same as celiac artery compression syndrome. What symptoms do you have? There is help! Thank God. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. You’re not alone!

joy4trees | @joy4trees | Feb 1 8:27am

Hello Kathyhg, My understanding is that the gold standard of diagnosis of celiac disease, with having an endoscopy, is no longer absolutely necessary. The blood test can verify it.
I was diagnosed in 2005 and having an endoscopy dx was definitely the deal. Having the endoscopy did show that I also had microscopic colitis and that has been helpful for me to know that.
Since you already have started eating gluten free you would need to eat gluten again for quite a while (different times are stated, 1-3 months) to verify that dx in an endoscopy. Most people don't want to go through that. I would suggest you see a gastroenterologist who is well versed in celiac disease. There have been numerous times I have seen mine to answer questions about my health. It is reassuring to have someone you can rely on.
Organizations to reference, celiac.org, gluten.org, celiac.com, beyondceliac.org. Look up Alessio Fasano, Peter H. Green. Hope that is helpful.