Evidence for oesophageal and anorectal involvement in very early systemic sclerosis (VEDOSS): report from a single VEDOSS/EUSTAR centre

The oesophagus is the first gastrointestinal (GI) tract involved in systemic sclerosis (SSc), followed by the anorectum. Evaluation of oesophageal and anorectal involvement and their correlations in patients with very early diagnosis of SSc (VEDOSS). 59 patients with VEDOSS, evaluated with oesophageal and anorectal manometry and investigated with lung function tests and chest HRCT. Demographic data, oesophageal and anorectal symptoms, Raynaud's phenomenon, autoantibodies, videocapillaroscopy patterns, puffy fingers and digital ulcers were recorded for all patients. In 4 patients oesophageal manometry and in 17 patients anorectal manometry was not performed because of scarce tolerance. Oesophageal peristalsis was absent in 14 patients; its pressure and speed were significantly lower in 41 patients (p