[Esophageal function remains unchanged in systemic sclerosis at four years of follow-up]

Esophageal involvement is one of the earliest gastrointestinal manifestations of systemic sclerosis. Reduced lower esophageal sphincter pressure and reduced esophageal motility can both be measured by manometry.

15 patients with systemic sclerosis (6 with altered manometric values and 9 with symptoms of pyrosis and/or dysphagia but with normal manometric values) were reassessed after a follow-up period of over 46 months.

Low though still within normal range values in lower esophageal pressure were found on manometry. Distal esophageal amplitude remained substantially unchanged. Only in one patient was the amplitude significantly reduced. In all patients, the symptom scores for pyrosis and dysphagia had worsened slightly.

Esophageal involvement does not necessarily occur in all patients with systemic sclerosis; more time may be required before its manifestations can be assessed by esophageal manometry.