Pharyngo-oesophageal dysphagia in systemic sclerosis.
A patient with systemic sclerosis developed recurrent dysphagia consistently localised to the pharyngo-oesophageal region. This was due to narrowing of the lumen as a result of gross thickening of the pharyngo-oesophageal muscles. Histologically the changes were typical of systemic sclerosis. The lower oesophagus was less involved. Eventually she died of aspiration pneumonia and respiratory arrest.
D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000473:pathology; D004947:Esophagus / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010614:Pharynx / Q000473:pathology; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology