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I agree with Jim Lyles when he said that biopsies are necessary.  There are
other diseases that need to be ruled out.

In my case I really can't call it "gold" standard.  When I had my first biopsy
I was told that it was a "low positive".  It read "Partial Villous Atrophy,
Focally Increased Interepithelial Lymphocytes, and Mild Crypt Hyperplasia".  I
brought the results to another Gastroenterologist and he read it as neg.  He
did a chalenge biopsy (I only lasted 3 or 4 days back on gluten) and the
results were neg.

I went for a third opinion and was told that because of my symptoms he felt I
had Celiac.  My mother at that time had just been diagnosed with D.H.(with
proven biopsy).

I still recommend that people have the biopsy.  It can at times be very hard
staying on a gluten-free diet when you are not 100% sure of the diagnosis.

Ginny