"Villous atrophy" refers to a condition where the tiny, finger-like projections in the lining of the intestines become damaged or shrunk. Full definition
Finally, I had the procedure and the doctor gave me a copy of the pictures of my insides, which showed villous atrophy in my small intestine, inflammation in my esophagus, as well as a hiatal hernia. (mindbodygreen.com)
Over time, these immune reactions by way of the antibodies can cause major wear and tear affecting the tiny microscopic finger like projections in the small bowel (particularly the duodenum, the first part of the small bowel) in a process called villous atrophy. (ericbakker.com)
Those samples are then examined for signs of villous atrophy, or intestinal damage caused by your immune system's response to gluten ingestion. (verywellhealth.com)