Overview: Gastrointestinal manifestations and management

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a chronic, connective tissue disease characterized by vascular damage and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. After skin involvement, the GI tract is the second most commonly involved organ system with the esophagus being the most frequent segment involved. Involvement of the stomach, small intestine, colon, and anorectum is less common but may lead to severe complications and debility. Ultimately, over 80% of individuals with scleroderma will experience a change in normal GI function [1, 2].