How are upper GI tract manifestations assessed in patients with Systemic Sclerosis?
• Esophageal dysmotility may be documented by manometry, barium esophagram, or by a routine upper GI series with barium swallow.
• A dilated, patulous esophagus is a frequent incidental finding noted on thoracic computed tomography scans of patients with SSc.
• Endoscopy is used to assess reflux esophagitis, candidiasis, Barrett’s esophagus, and strictures of the lower esophageal area. Patients who develop Barrett’s esophagitis are at risk for developing adenocarcinoma and will need surveillance endoscopies every 1 to 2 years depending on the presence of dysplasia.
