Dysphagia, reflux and related sequelae due to altered physiology in scleroderma.

Systemic sclerosis is a connective tissue disease that presents with significant gastrointestinal involvement, commonly in the esophagus. Dysphagia is a common clinical manifestation of systemic sclerosis and is strongly related to esophageal dysmotility. However, there are multiple other contributing factors in each step in the physiology of swallowing that may contribute to development of severe dysphagia. The oral phase of swallowing may be disrupted by poor mastication due to microstomia and poor dentition, as well as by xerostomia. In the pharyngeal phase of swallowing, pharyngeal muscle weakness due to concurrent myositis or cricopharyngeal muscle tightening due to acid reflux can cause disturbance. The esophageal phase of swallowing is most commonly disturbed by decreased peristalsis and esophageal dysmotility. However, it can also be affected by obstruction from chronic reflux changes, pill-induced esophagitis, or Candida esophagitis. Other contributing factors to dysphagia include difficulties in food preparation and gastroparesis. Understanding the anatomy and physiology of swallowing and evaluating systemic sclerosis patients presenting with dysphagia for disturbances in each step can allow for development of better treatment plans to improve dysphagia and overall quality of life.

Differentiating Delayed Esophageal Clearance From Reflux in Scleroderma.

Abnormal acid exposure to the esophagus and esophageal dysmotility leading to symptoms of refractory reflux and dysphagia are common findings amongst patients with advanced systemic scleroderma (SSc). Although treatments and diagnostic methods for esophageal disease in the setting of SSc are currently limited to those used for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), certain advancements in diagnostic testing allow potential for improved detection of the exact etiology and clinical management. Through the lens of a case presentation, we found that while GERD is usually diagnosed with high acid exposure from decreased lower esophageal sphincter tone, the high esophageal acidity seen in scleroderma can be attributed to esophageal hypo-motility, leading to fermentation of food residue.

The Two Challenges in Management of Gastric Glomus Tumors.

Gastric glomus tumors (GGTs) are rare gastrointestinal lesions originating from the neuromuscular arterial canal or vascular lumen which share many overlapping features with other stromal lesions. Despite most cases of GGTs being benign, there is a lack of reliable histological features predictive of tumor behavior. We present a case of a 42-year-old male who was determined to have a GGT via histological diagnosis and underwent surgical wedge resection. This case highlights the importance of establishing an accurate diagnosis and the various factors that must be taken into consideration to best determine malignant potential and management options.