•  
  •  
 

Abstract

Scleroderma is a systemic disease characterized by the deposition of excessive collagen and other matrix elements in the skin as well as in multiple internal organs. Scleroderma can be classified into diffuse cutaneous disease and limited cutaneous disease. Limited cutaneous disease is characterized by skin involvement limited to the hands, face, feet, and forearms; it includes the CREST variant (calcinosis, raynauds, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia). Diffuse cutaneous disease is characterized by skin involvement as well as early and diffuse visceral involvement. Clinically significant gastrointestinal involvement occurs in approximately 50% of all patients with scleroderma. The esophagus is the most common site of involvement followed by the ano-rectum, small bowel, colon, and stomach. Several recent reviews of the gastrointestinal manifestations of scleroderma have been written. Here, a case of diffuse gastrointestinal scleroderma presenting as chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction is described.

Download

Share

COinS