Gastrointestinal manifestations of systemic sclerosis

Abstract

In patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), gastrointestinal (GI)-tract involvement is almost universal. Any segment of the GI tract from mouth to anus can be involved, and GI symptoms are a frequent cause of morbidity. In severe cases, GI-tract involvement can progress to the point of malnutrition requiring parenteral nutrition. GI-tract involvement in SSc contributes to disease-related mortality although mostly as a co-morbidity rather than direct cause of death. The review is intended to help address challenges in the assessment and treatment of GI-tract involvement in SSc.