A comprehensive overview of celiac disease: definition, pathophysiology, and its association with autoimmune disorders

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder, the global prevalence of which has been steadily increasing in recent decades. Although it is a lifelong disease, adherence to a strict gluten-free diet allows most patients to maintain good health and quality of life. This study provides a comprehensive overview of CD, with an emphasis on its definition, pathophysiology, and clinical terminology. Special attention is paid to the complex interaction between CD and other autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes mellitus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and inflammatory bowel disease, which are the most commonly reported comorbidities in the literature. To facilitate a clearer understanding of these relationships, a summary table is included that provides an overview of the autoimmune diseases most commonly associated with CD, as documented in population and epidemiological studies from the Medline database. The aim of this review is to raise awareness of the systemic nature of CD, its immunological implications, and the importance of comprehensive clinical assessment in affected individuals.