Master Celiac Disease Characteristics with Picmonic for Physician Assistant

This disease is seen more commonly in patients of northern European descent.

Celiac Disease is strongly associated with specific HLA class II genes, one of which is known as HLA-DQ2, located on chromosome 6p21.

Celiac disease is also strongly associated with HLA-DQ8, a specific HLA class II, located on chromosome 6p21.

This disorder is caused by an autoimmune-mediated intolerance to gliadin, which are a component of gluten.

Dermatitis herpetiformis is an itchy cutaneous condition, which is linked to celiac disease. This symptom is characterised by blisters filled with a watery fluid, and despite its name, is not associated with herpes.

Due to the autoimmune damage to intestinal tissue, patients often have malabsorption of nutrients, leading to weight loss.

Children with undiagnosed celiac disease may have malabsorption which can present as failure to thrive. Patients may appear underweight and may be below growth curves appropriate for their age.

The malabsorption caused by autoimmune intestinal disease in Celiac's also causes decreased mineral absorption. Patients who have not made lifestyle modifications for this disorder can present with decreased bone density.

In celiac disease, patients can have malabsorption and improper absorption of fats and nutrients. This often presents as steatorrhea, or excess, foul-smelling fat in the feces.

The malabsorption associated with celiac disease can also manifest as anemia in patients. This is often one of the first lab tests seen in patients, which may instigate a further workup, leading to a diagnosis of celiac disease in patients.