Esophageal dysfunction and its pathogenesis in progressive systemic sclerosis

In 25 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis esophageal involvement was studied prospectively by analysing subjective symptoms and radiological and manometric criteria. In all patients abnormal motility could be demonstrated by X-ray and/or manometry: radiologically in 18 (72%), manometrically in 22 (88%) cases. Dysphagia was present only in 11 patients (44%). Six patients (24%) had no subjective symptoms in spite of severe objective esophageal abnormalities. Therefore, the absence of esophageal symptoms does not exclude advanced affliction of the esophagus. To determine the pathogenesis of esophageal dysfunction the effects of 3.5 microgram/kg carbachol and of 0.6 microgram/kg pentag…

Scientific Proceedings Second International Symposium on Cytostatic Drug Resistance