Which serologic biomarker demonstrates highest sensitivity and specificity as the initial screening test for celiac disease in an IgA-competent patient?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA
- Step 1: Celiac disease is an autoimmune enteropathy triggered by gluten exposure in genetically susceptible individuals.
- Step 2: Serum anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA antibody testing offers high diagnostic accuracy and is universally recommended as the preferred initial serologic screening test.
Answer
Anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA.
Why not the others: Antigliadin antibodies have significantly lower sensitivity and specificity and are no longer recommended in standard celiac guidelines. Antinuclear antibodies evaluate systemic connective tissue diseases like lupus. Anti-smooth muscle antibodies are specific serologic markers for autoimmune hepatitis.
Practise more Endocrine, Renal and Gastrointestinal Pathology.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed DHA Dubai mock tests.
More Endocrine, Renal and Gastrointestinal Pathology questions
- A 48-year-old female presents with profound polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and recurrent candidal vulvovaginitis. Fasting plasma glucose…
- A 32-year-old female presents with palpitations, heat intolerance, diaphoresis, and noticeable anterior neck fullness. Physical examination…
- A 24-year-old female with Type 1 diabetes is brought to the emergency department with altered mental status, tachypnea with fruity breath od…
- A 54-year-old male presents with facial rounding ('moon facies'), proximal muscle weakness, purple abdominal striae, and newly diagnosed hyp…
- A 63-year-old male with long-standing poorly controlled diabetes and hypertension presents for evaluation. Laboratory results reveal serum c…
- A 38-year-old male with a history of recurrent calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis undergoes metabolic workup. Laboratory results show hypercalc…