Esophageal Involvement in Scleroderma : Clinical, Endoscopic, and Manometric Features

Abstract EN

Aim.

To evaluate characteristics of esophageal involvement in scleroderma.

Methods.

The study was prospective and concerned 194 patients with a definite systemic sclerosis.

Gastroesophageal endoscopy and esophageal manometry were performed in all the cases.

Results.

Symptoms were present in 118 cases (60.8%); they were signs of GERD or dysphagia, respectively, in 94 (48.4%) and 91 patients (46.9%).

Reflux esophagitis was found in 73 cases (37.6%); it was mild or moderate in 47 cases (24.2%) and severe or complicated in the remaining cases.

Manometry revealed a lower esophageal sphincter incompetence and esophageal motor disorders, respectively, in 118 (60.8%) and 157 cases (80.9%).

Presence of these late was not related to age, duration, or skin extension of the disease, but with clinical complaint and/or mucosal damage.

Conclusion.

Esophageal involvement is frequent during scleroderma.

Manometry is the most sensible examination and could be a screening procedure.