Manometric assessment of oesophageal involvement in progressive systemic sclerosis, morphoea and Raynaud's disease

SUMMARY Oesophageal function was studied by radiography and manometry in fifty-one patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS), fourteen patients with morphoea, twelve patients with Raynaud's disease and twenty-one normal subjects. Upper oesophageal sphincter pressure was not affected. Peristaltic contractions of the upper third of the oesophagus were significantly decreased in PSS and morphoea, but the lower two-thirds were affected only in PSS. Lower oesophageal sphincter pressure was significantly decreased in PSS but was normal in morphoea and Raynaud's disease. There was a significant correlation between oesophageal dysfunction and the duration of PSS. Manometry was better than radiography at detecting motor abnormalities, with a positivity of 86% compared with 66% for radiography. Oesophageal manometry should be employed routinely in the investigation of patients with suspected PSS or morphoea.