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Updated: May 24, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Esophageal involvement in scleroderma: clinical, endoscopic, and manometric features
M Lahcene1, N Oumnia, N Matougui
1Department of Internal Medicine, Kouba Hospital, Algiers, Algeria.
ISRN Rheumatology
|March 6, 2012
Summary
Esophageal involvement is common in scleroderma patients, often causing GERD and dysphagia. Esophageal manometry is a sensitive tool for screening and diagnosing these complications.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis frequently affects the esophagus, leading to significant patient morbidity.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dysphagia are common symptoms of esophageal dysfunction in scleroderma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the esophageal manifestations in patients with systemic sclerosis.
- To assess the utility of gastroesophageal endoscopy and esophageal manometry in evaluating scleroderma-related esophageal issues.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 194 patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis.
- Gastroesophageal endoscopy and esophageal manometry were conducted on all participants.
Main Results:
- Over 60% of patients reported esophageal symptoms like GERD or dysphagia.
- Reflux esophagitis was diagnosed in 37.6% of patients, with a significant portion experiencing severe or complicated forms.
- Esophageal manometry identified lower esophageal sphincter incompetence in 60.8% and motor disorders in 80.9% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Esophageal involvement is a frequent complication of scleroderma.
- Esophageal manometry is a highly sensitive diagnostic tool and a potential screening method for scleroderma patients.
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