Value of routine duodenal mucosal biopsies in the evaluation of anemia in a large Australian referral centre

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Small bowel mucosal biopsies (SBBx) are routinely performed to investigate unexplained anemia; however, previous studies have demonstrated a low yield in diagnosing celiac disease. Our aim was to determine the yield of routine SBBx in a large cohort of patients who underwent gastroscopy for the investigation of anemia. METHODS: Data from consecutive patients who underwent gastroscopy for the investigation of anemia in a tertiary hospital, from January 2008–December 2011, were prospectively collected. Measured outcomes were the prevalence of celiac disease, the yield of duodenal biopsies, and the correlation between celiac serology and diagnosis. RESULTS: Over 4 years, 987 patients (385 M:602 F; 48.27 ± 15.89 years) underwent endoscopy for anemia, of which 534 (54.1%) had proven iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Abnormal SBBx consistent with celiac disease were found in 2% (22/987), with a higher prevalence in females (3.2%, n = 19 vs 0.8%, n = 3 in males) and in those with IDA (3.6%, n = 19 vs 0.7%, n = 3 in non‐IDA). Macroscopic endoscopic abnormalities were present in 86% (19/22) of patients with celiac disease. Of the 178 patients who had celiac serology, tissue transglutaminase antibody had the highest sensitivity (80%) and specificity (99%). Combined serology had a sensitivity of 85.7%. CONCLUSION: Only 2% of patients with unexplained anemia had abnormal SBBx consistent with celiac disease and even fewer patients in non‐IDA. Given the availability and high sensitivity of celiac serology and macroscopic changes on endoscopy, SBBx should not be routine during endoscopy but should be limited to those with positive celiac serology, abnormal endoscopic appearance, or females with IDA.