Title: Systemic scleroderma - Wikipedia
Headings: Systemic scleroderma
Systemic scleroderma
Contents
Signs and symptoms
Skin symptoms
Other organs
Musculoskeletal
Lungs
Digestive tract
Kidneys
Causes
Pathophysiology
Diagnosis
Treatment
Topical/symptomatic
Kidney disease
Lung disease
Other
Epidemiology
Society and culture
Support groups
Prognosis
Research
References
External links

Content: The earliest manifestation of this may be a decreased diffusion capacity on pulmonary function testing. Other pulmonary complications in more advanced disease include aspiration pneumonia, pulmonary hemorrhage and pneumothorax. Digestive tract
Endoscopic image of peptic stricture, or narrowing of the esophagus near the junction with the stomach due to chronic gastroesophageal reflux: This is the most common cause of dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, in scleroderma. Diffuse scleroderma can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. The most common manifestation in the esophagus is reflux esophagitis, which may be complicated by esophageal strictures or benign narrowing of the esophagus. This is best initially treated with proton pump inhibitors for acid suppression, but may require bougie dilatation in the case of stricture. Scleroderma can decrease motility anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. The most common source of decreased motility is the esophagus and the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to dysphagia and chest pain. As scleroderma progresses, esophageal involvement from abnormalities in decreased motility may worsen due to progressive fibrosis (scarring).