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Gastrointestinal Complications of Systemic Sclerosis: A Case Report
Mason Arbabi1, Bella Garg2, Saviz Saghari3
1Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, USA.
Cureus
|June 30, 2025
Summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) significantly impacts gastrointestinal function, leading to severe complications. This case report details a patient with SSc/CREST syndrome experiencing critical GI issues and subsequent hospice care.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, chronic rheumatic disease with high prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction.
- GI involvement in SSc can range from mild symptoms to severe, life-threatening complications, significantly impacting patient quality of life.
Observation:
- A case report of an 80-year-old female with SSc/CREST syndrome presenting with severe GI involvement.
- The patient experienced hypoxic respiratory failure and acute kidney injury, indicative of advanced systemic compromise.
Findings:
- Severe GI dysfunction in SSc significantly contributes to patient morbidity and mortality.
- The patient's advanced SSc/CREST syndrome led to critical multisystemic complications.
Implications:
- Highlights the profound impact of GI involvement in Systemic Sclerosis.
- Underscores the importance of palliative and hospice care in managing end-stage SSc complications.
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