title: Calcium channel blockers and esophageal sclerosis: should we expect exacerbation of interstitial lung disease?
abstract: Esophageal sclerosis is the most common visceral manifestation of systemic sclerosis, resulting in impaired esophageal clearance and retention of ingested food; in addition, co-existence of lung fibrosis with esophageal scleroderma is not uncommon. Both the progression of generalized connective tissue disorders and the damaging effect of chronic aspiration due to esophageal dysmotility appear to be involved in this procedure of interstitial fibrosis. Nifedipine is a widely prescribed calcium antagonist in a significant percentage of rheumatologic patients suffering from Raynaud syndrome, in order to inhibit peripheral vasospasm. Nevertheless, blocking calcium channels has proven to contribute to exacerbation of gastroesophageal reflux, which consequently can lead to chronic aspiration. We describe the case of severe exacerbation of interstitial lung disease in a 76-year-old female with esophageal sclerosis who was treated with oral nifedipine for Raynaud syndrome.
authors.affiliation: 2nd Department of Surgery, 401 General Army Hospital of Athens, Athens, Argos, Greece.
authors.forename: Charalampos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Seretis
authors.forename: Fotios
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Seretis
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gemenetzis
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Liakos
authors.forename: Apostolos
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pappas
authors.forename: Stavros
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gourgiotis
authors.forename: Emmanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lagoudianakis
authors.forename: Dimitrios
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Keramidaris
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Salemis