Oesophageal Abnormalities in Sjögren's Syndrome

Abstract

Oesophagoscopic and X-ray examinations were performed in 30 patients with Sjögren's syndrome. Mucosal atrophy was found throughout the entire length of the oesophagus in all patients examined. On X-ray examination no malignant changes were observed. In four of the patients a characteristic incisure was found located by contrast filling in the anterior wall of the pharynx close below Killian's sphincter.

We also found that dysphagia during the ingestion of solid food in these patients is not due to pathological oesophageal membranes, but, in the first place, to lack of saliva and dryness of the mucosa which make the passage of solid food difficult.

We believe that mucosal atrophy of the oesophagus in patients with Sjögren's syndrome should be included among the major features on which the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome is based.

Index-words:

• Index words:
• Esophagus
• Sjögren's syndrome
• esophagoscopy
• radiography