Question
Barium Swallow examination is shown in the image.What can be the most possible diagnosis?
A. Normal
B. Esophageal Scleroderma
C. Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
D. Achalasia Cardia
Show Answer
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Correct Answer » B Explanation |
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Ans:B. Esophageal Scleroderma.
Image shows:Barium swallow of patient with scleroderma. Note the dilated esophagus (arrows)..
SCLERODERMA
- Scleroderma is a collagen-vascular disease characterized by diffuse fibrosis, degenerative changes, and vascular abnormalities in the skin, articular structures and other organs (kidneys, lung, heart, gastrointestinal and skeletal muscles).
- Esophageal involvement occurs in 75 to 87% of patients with scleroderma.
- In the esophagus, aperistalsis results from atrophy or cellular disruption of esophageal smooth muscle including the LES.
- These changes are primarily limited to the lower two-thirds of the esophagus because the upper third is composed of striated muscle.
- Patients often present with symptoms of reflux secondary to LES incompetence and dysphagia may result from abnormal motility, reflux esophagitis or peptic stricture formation.