Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune condition affecting the small intestinal mucosa of genetically predisposed individuals. This condition is due to intolerance to ingested gluten (storage protein) found in wheat, rye and barley. Symptoms such as diarrhoea, weight loss, retarded growth and secondary anaemia can be found in patients.

IgA endomysial staining pattern is due to binding of the antibody with tissue transglutaminase antigen found in the cytoplasm of the enterocyte. These antibodies are sensitive and specific marker of CD. Note that measurement of tissue transglutaminase levels have superseded other methods.

Image: Primate oesophagus stained with serum from patient with CD. The network of fibres around the smooth muscle cells in the muscularis mucosa are stained with IgA.