[Collagenous sprue: a case description].

Collagenous sprue (CS) is a rare disease of the small bowel, which is characterized by complete atrophy of mucosal villi and excessive subepithelial collagen deposition. The authors describe a 40-year-old patient, who was examined for severe malabsorption syndrome. The diagnosis of celiac disease was based upon serological and histological data, but gluten-free diet was not effective and only treatment with prednisolone led to positive changes. Another histologic study revealed a focal deposit of collagen under the epithelium in addition to signs of intestinal mucosal atrophy, and the diagnosis of CS was made. The case is discussed from the positions of known information of CS.