Abstract
Scleroderma or Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an auto-immune condition characterized by widespread vascular dysfunction and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, with a prevalence of 150 – 300 cases per million and a female preponderance[1].
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations of SSc include oesophageal dysmotility, decreased lower oesophageal sphincter function, bleeding erosive esophagitis, gastroparesis and Barrett’s oesophagus. Lower GI features include dysmotility with functional “blind loops”, bacterial overgrowth, malabsorption and pseudo-obstruction. These can lead to GI haemorrhage and Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis (PCI)[2,3]. We describe two SSc patients with PCI who underwent potentially unnecessary abdominal surgery.
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations of SSc include oesophageal dysmotility, decreased lower oesophageal sphincter function, bleeding erosive esophagitis, gastroparesis and Barrett’s oesophagus. Lower GI features include dysmotility with functional “blind loops”, bacterial overgrowth, malabsorption and pseudo-obstruction. These can lead to GI haemorrhage and Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis (PCI)[2,3]. We describe two SSc patients with PCI who underwent potentially unnecessary abdominal surgery.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Pediatrics and Palliative Care |
| Volume | 1 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| State | Published - 4 Jun 2016 |