Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disease in Systemic Sclerosis

Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2018 Feb;44(1):15-28. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2017.09.002.

Abstract

Although classification criteria for systemic sclerosis (SSc) do not incorporate gastrointestinal tract (GIT) manifestations often present in this disease, the GIT is the most common internal organ involved. Pathophysiology of GIT involvement is thought to be similar to other organs in SSc with fibroproliferative vascular lesions of small arteries and arterioles, increased production of profibrotic growth factors, and alterations of innate, humoral, and cellular immunity. These processes result in neuropathy progressing to myopathy with eventual fibrosis. Proper diagnostics and therapeutics for SSc-GIT involvement require the treating physician to have an understanding of an integrated approach and potential medication adverse effects.

Keywords: Esophageal diseases; Gastrointestinal diseases; Liver diseases; Mouth diseases; Scleroderma; Stomach diseases; Systemic sclerosis; Therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Gastrointestinal Diseases* / complications
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases* / immunology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Liver Diseases* / complications
  • Liver Diseases* / immunology
  • Medication Therapy Management*
  • Scleroderma, Systemic* / complications
  • Scleroderma, Systemic* / drug therapy
  • Scleroderma, Systemic* / immunology