Gastrointestinal involvement in progressive systemic sclerosis

• Published in: Acta gastroenterologica latinoamericana Vol. 14; no. 4; p. 295
• Main Authors: Alvarez, M G, Rubaldo, R E, Kerzberg, E M, De Paula, A, Huberman, E D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Argentina 1984
• Subjects: Digestive System - physiopathology; Esophagus - physiopathology; Humans; Intestine, Small - physiopathology; Manometry; Mouth Mucosa - pathology; Radiography; Scleroderma, Systemic - diagnostic imaging; Scleroderma, Systemic - physiopathology
• ISSN: 0300-9033

25 patients with clinical, radiological and manometrical features of PSS in the gastrointestinal tract were reviewed, looking mainly for the esophageal involvement. All of the data obtained in our serie agreed with those of most of the authors. Outlining: The lack of relationship between the evolution of the skin involvement and GI tract involvement. The high incidence of esophageal involvement, especially functional alterations even in the absence of clinical and/or radiological symptomatology. The usefulness of manometric method in the diagnosis of motor involvement of esophages, especially for the evaluation of lower esophageal esphincter. Although the esophageal and intestinal involvement are more frequent and well known, any area of the GI tract may be damaged during the course of this disease. Since up to now, an ethiological therapy to stop the course of the disease is not known, it's important to search for earlier alterations in order to start with a pathophysiological and symptomatic treatment to avoid complications.