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Esophageal involvement in scleroderma: gastroesophageal reflux, the common problem
Stavros K Ntoumazios1, Paraskevi V Voulgari, Konstantinos Potsis
1Department of Otolaryngology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
|October 19, 2006
Summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) frequently affects the esophagus, often causing gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Prompt diagnosis and treatment of esophageal issues in SSc patients are crucial for preventing complications and improving outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem autoimmune disease.
- SSc is characterized by vascular abnormalities and fibrosis affecting skin and internal organs, including the gastrointestinal tract.
- Esophageal involvement is a common manifestation in SSc patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review esophageal involvement in SSc.
- To emphasize gastroesophageal reflux (GER) as a prevalent issue in SSc.
- To discuss diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for esophageal manifestations in SSc.
Main Methods:
- A Medline search was conducted from 1966 to 2005.
- Keywords included "systemic sclerosis," "esophageal involvement," "gastroesophageal reflux," "esophagitis," and "treatment."
Main Results:
- Esophageal disease occurs in nearly all SSc patients, with motility abnormalities and GER being common.
- Complications of GER include esophagitis, bleeding, and strictures; extraesophageal symptoms are also frequent.
- Diagnostic tools include barium esophagram, manometry, pH monitoring, and endoscopy.
- Treatment involves behavioral changes, proton pump inhibitors, and limited surgical options.
Conclusions:
- Esophageal involvement is highly prevalent in SSc.
- GER in SSc can lead to significant morbidity.
- Early detection and appropriate management of esophageal conditions in SSc are essential for symptom amelioration and complication prevention.
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