QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Chronic pancreatitis can cause malabsorption as the production of pancreatic enzymes necessary for the digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates is impaired. Whilst a cause of malabsorption, it is not as common as coeliac disease.
10007115
e
Chronic pancreatitis
QuestionChoice
Coeliac disease is a T cell-mediated inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting the small bowel. It causes villous atrophy, crypt hyperplasia and malabsorption. It can be diagnosed by antibody testing or occasionally by jejunal biopsy. It is the most common cause of malabsorption in the Western world.
10007111
a
Coeliac disease
QuestionChoice
Whipple disease is a rare bacterial infection which attacks joints and digestive system. Although it interferes with absorption, it is extremely rare.
10007114
d
Whipple disease
QuestionChoice
Tropical sprue is a malabsorption syndrome causing diarrhoea, weight loss and intestinal inflammation due to flattening of the villi and inflammation of the small bowel. It is commonly found in tropical regions, but is extremely rare in the Western world.
10007113
c
Tropical sprue
QuestionChoice
Pancreatic cancer can cause malabsorption as the production of pancreatic enzymes necessary for the digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates is impaired. Whilst a cause of malabsorption, it is not as common as coeliac disease.
10007112
b
Pancreatic cancer
Concept
Chapter
2693
4569
Malabsorption syndromes
Topic
149
Gastro-intestinal physiology
13969
An 8-year-old girl attends her GP surgery with diarrhoea and intermittent abdominal discomfort for the past six months. No one else in the family is unwell, and there is no history of overseas travel.

On examination her observations are all within normal range, however she appears pale and her height is below the fifth percentile for her age.

Which of the following is the most common cause of malabsorption in the Western world?
a