Collagen in the esophageal mucosa of patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS)

Eighteen consecutive patients with an established diagnosis of Progressive Systemic Sclerosis (PSS) underwent different investigative procedures to determine possible esophageal involvement. Esophageal sclerosis was demonstrated by X-ray and manometry in 13 patients. In all patients endoscopic biopsies of esophageal mucosa were obtained. In all biopsies the concentrations of hydroxyproline, hydroxylysine and proline were determined. Patients suffering from PSS involving the esophagus were found to have a significantly higher concentration of collagen specific amino acids (hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine) in the esophageal mucosa (endoscopic obtainable biopsies) than patients with PSS not affecting the esophagus.