Refractory coeliac disease a reality: views from Pakistan.

Refractory coeliac disease (RCD) is described as persistence or recurrence of signs and symptoms of malabsorption with small-intestinal villous atrophy despite being on a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) for more than 12 months. RCD is a diagnosis of exclusion. There are two types of RCD, based upon the immunohistochemical features (presence of intraepithelial lymphocytes), response to treatment and prognosis. The treatment of RCD includes GFD and immunosuppressive agents. We hereby present a case of refractory celiac disease type II in a young man who later went on to develop Addisonian crisis and did not survive.