Hidden in Plain Sight: Esophageal Dysmotility in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Among the patients who present to the emergency room or a primary care office with symptoms of dysphagia, chest pain, and reflux, approximately 9% have an underlying rheumatological condition. It is not surprising that many emergency and internal medicine clinicians frequently overlook this etiology and investigate other causes first. However, an overwhelming number of patients with rheumatological conditions (61.1%) have some form of esophageal dysmotility that ranges from ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) to achalasia. We present a case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with absent contractility that was initially overlooked. Missing and/or absent contractility or other forms of esophageal dysmotility leads to delayed treatment and interventions. Prolonged food bolus transit and stasis promote mucosal inflammation and remodeling, subsequently leading to neoplastic changes. We hope to increase awareness among emergency and internal medicine physicians of the prevalence of esophageal dysmotility disorders among patients with rheumatologic disease, and SLE specifically, to improve timing of diagnosis and interventions.