The structure and function of the small bowel have been studied in 21 patients with systemic sclerosis.
Twelve had radiological small bowel involvement; six of these had mild steatorrhoea and two impaired vitamin B12 absorption. The diagnosis of small bowel involvement depends on radiological examination. Dilated loops of duodenum and jejunum are the striking abnormality and best detected by accurately measuring the diameter of the lumen. In addition we found thickened folds, 'pseudodiverticula', wire spring-like appearance, disordered motility, and flocculation.
Possible mechanisms for steatorrhoea in this disease are discussed. Small bowel bacterial colonization seemed a likely explanation in one patient and possible in two. There was no correlation between duration, severity, or frequency of other organ involvement by systemic sclerosis and small bowel involvement, with the exception of almost invariable oesophageal abnormality in those patients with small bowel disease.
Systemic sclerosis affects the small bowel frequently and often early in the course of the disease; involvement is usually occult.
The structure and function of the small bowel have been studied in 21 patients with systemic sclerosis.
Twelve had radiological small bowel involvement; six of these had mild steatorrhoea and two impaired vitamin B12 absorption. The diagnosis of small bowel involvement depends on radiological examination. Dilated loops of duodenum and jejunum are the striking abnormality and best detected by accurately measuring the diameter of the lumen. In addition we found thickened folds, 'pseudodiverticula', wire spring-like
appearance, disordered motility, and flocculation.
Possible mechanisms for steatorrhoea in this disease are discussed. Small bowel bacterial colonization seemed a likely explanation in one patient and possible in two. There was no correlation between duration, severity, or frequency of other organ involvement by systemic sclerosis and small bowel involvement, with the exception of almost invariable oesophageal abnormality in those patients with small bowel disease.
Systemic sclerosis affects the small bowel frequently and often early in the course of the disease; involvement is usually occult.