Characteristics of adult celiac disease in the USA: results of a national survey.

The clinical spectrum of adults with celiac disease in the United States, where the disease is considered rare, is not known. We sought this information by distributing a survey. A questionnaire was distributed by way of a celiac newsletter, directly to celiac support groups, and through the Internet. Respondents (1,612) were from all United States except one. Seventy-five percent (1,138) were biopsy proven. Women predominated (2.9:1). The majority of respondents were diagnosed in their fourth to sixth decades. Symptoms were present a mean of 11 yr before diagnosis. Diarrhea was present in 85%. Diagnosis was considered prompt by only 52% and 31% had consulted two or more gastroenterologists. Improved quality of life after diagnosis was reported by 77%. Those diagnosed at age > or = 60 yr also reported improved quality of life. Five respondents had small intestinal malignancies (carcinoma 2, lymphoma 3) accounting for a relative risk of 300 (60-876) for the development of lymphoma and 67 (7-240) for adenocarcinoma. Patients with celiac disease in the United States have a long duration of symptoms and consider their diagnosis delayed. Improved quality of life after diagnosis is common. An increased risk of developing small intestine malignancies is present.