Pathophysiologic progression of GI involvement in Systemic Sclerosis
Although no longitudinal studies have been performed to document the anatomic progression in the GI system, there is good circumstantial evidence to suggest an orderly series of steps leading to progressive dysfunction. First, there is neural dysfunction thought to be due to arteriolar changes of the vasa nervorum leading to dysmotility. Second, there is smooth muscle atrophy. Third, there is fibrosis of the smooth muscle.
