Gastrointestinal involvement in systemic sclerosis

Disease of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) occurs in approximately 90% of patients with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) and has a major impact on their quality of life. Every part of the GIT can be involved in scleroderma and may include the mouth (xerostomia), esophagus (dysmotility, acid reflux), stomach (vascular ectasia, gastroparesis), intestines (vascular lesions, hypomotility, bacterial overgrowth, intestinal pseudo-obstruction) and anorectal system (fecal incontinence). This review provides practical guidance in the diagnosis and treatment of systemic sclerosis-associated GIT involvement.