Gastrointestinal involvement of systemic sclerosis

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by microvascular abnormalities that result in fibrosis of the skin and other organs. Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations are frequently observed in patients with SSc and occur in both diffuse cutaneous SSc and limited cutaneous SSc. The entire GI tract displays the pathological findings of SSc, including vasculopathy, smooth muscle atrophy, and excessive collagen deposition in the submucosa. As SSc progresses, the GI manifestations not only impair the quality of life by causing symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and fecal incontinence but are also related to poor prognosis. At present, the management of GI manifestations in patients with SSc is empirical and symptomatic. The goals of the treatment are the prevention of malnutrition and improvement of the quality of life.