No-biopsy diagnostic approach to coeliac disease

This brief review outlines contributions that Michael Marsh and others made to understanding the structure and function of the upper small bowel mucosa and the formation of abnormalities that occur in coeliac disease (CD). He introduced his classification of lesions 30 years ago that has been widely adopted. The development and use of serological tests to screen for and diagnose CD in children and adults without the need for a small bowel biopsy in a considerable proportion is also recognised and will gain traction.