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Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

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Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
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Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

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Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
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Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:21

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Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
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Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction01:21

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Barrett's esophagus is a medical condition where the esophageal mucosa is significantly damaged by stomach acid or other digestive fluids, often due to long-term exposure associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD, a weakened or abnormally relaxed lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to flow persistently into the esophagus.
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more...
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Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction01:24

Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction

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Esophageal varices are dilated, tortuous veins which are found mainly in the submucosa of the lower esophagus but which may also appear higher up or extend into the stomach. They develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, often as a result of liver cirrhosis. This condition scars and damages the liver, impeding normal blood flow through the portal vein. To compensate, blood seeks alternative pathways, forming fragile new vessels (varices) in the esophagus and stomach. These...
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Esophagus01:24

Esophagus

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The esophagus, a muscular conduit linking the pharynx and stomach, measures roughly 10 inches (25.4 cm) and sits behind the trachea. It remains collapsed when not swallowing. The esophagus follows a predominantly straight path through the thoracic mediastinum and enters the abdominal cavity through a diaphragmatic opening known as the esophageal hiatus.
The movement of edibles from the pharynx into the esophagus is facilitated by the upper esophageal sphincter, which is formed primarily by the...
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Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
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Scleroderma and the Esophagus.

Nitin K Ahuja1, John O Clarke2

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard 7 South Pavilion, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.

Gastroenterology Clinics of North America
|October 31, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Connective tissue disorders frequently impact the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the esophagus. This review details esophageal issues in scleroderma and other connective tissue diseases, covering causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.

Keywords:
AperistalsisDysphagiaEhler-DanlosFibromyalgiaLupusMyositisSclerodermaSjogren

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Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology and Rheumatology
  • Connective Tissue Diseases
  • Gastrointestinal Manifestations

Background:

  • The gastrointestinal tract is a major organ system susceptible to connective tissue disorders.
  • Esophageal involvement is highly prevalent in scleroderma, affecting over 90% of patients.
  • Understanding these manifestations is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the esophageal manifestations of scleroderma.
  • To review the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of esophageal scleroderma.
  • To briefly discuss esophageal involvement in other connective tissue disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on scleroderma and esophageal involvement.
  • Inclusion of other connective tissue disorders with esophageal manifestations.
  • Synthesis of information on pathogenesis, clinical aspects, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

Main Results:

  • Scleroderma is a primary rheumatologic disease with significant esophageal impact.
  • Esophageal dysfunction is a hallmark of scleroderma, influencing patient morbidity.
  • Other connective tissue diseases like SLE, Sjögren syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome also present with esophageal symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Esophageal involvement is a critical aspect of scleroderma and other connective tissue diseases.
  • Comprehensive understanding aids in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment strategies.
  • Further research into the specific mechanisms and tailored therapies is warranted.