Enteropathyassociated

Enteropathy-associated is a medical descriptor used to denote diseases or conditions that are linked to enteropathy, a disease of the intestinal mucosa often characterized by malabsorption and chronic diarrhea. The term is most commonly encountered in the name of enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL), a rare but aggressive malignancy of the small intestine. EATL arises from intraepithelial T lymphocytes and is strongly linked to celiac disease, particularly long-standing or refractory celiac disease. Histologically, two main variants are recognized: Type I (classical) and Type II (monomorphic), with differing epidemiology and clinical behavior, though both present with nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and signs of intestinal obstruction or perforation.

Risk factors include celiac disease, especially when not adequately treated, and refractory celiac disease. The pathogenesis involves chronic intestinal inflammation and immune dysregulation driven by gluten sensitivity, which can promote clonal T-cell proliferation and malignant transformation.

Diagnosis typically combines radiologic imaging to assess involvement, endoscopic evaluation, and histopathologic examination of biopsies. Immunophenotyping supports T-cell lineage and helps differentiate EATL from other enteric lymphomas. Treatment commonly includes surgical management for complications or localized disease followed by systemic chemotherapy; regimens may be intensive, and responses vary. The prognosis of enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma is generally poor, with outcome influenced by disease stage, comorbidity, and treatment response. The term enteropathy-associated is also used more broadly to describe other conditions linked to enteropathy, though such uses are less common.