Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Rheumatological Diseases

Abstract

Rheumatological diseases (RDs) represent a diverse group of diseases that are inherited or related to environmental factors. RDs frequently affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and gastroenterologists are often asked to evaluate patients with symptoms thought to represent an underlying or coexisting RD. GI manifestations of RDs vary based on the organ involved as well as the extent and duration of involvement. Although most manifestations of RD are nonspecific and not life-threatening, the chronicity and severity of symptoms can be debilitating and may lead to serious injury. This narrative review discusses the most common RD encountered by gastroenterologists: systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), dermatomyositis/polymyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren syndrome, overlap syndromes, mixed connective tissue disease, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, and other vasculitides. Each section begins with a brief overview of the condition, followed by a discussion of the etiopathophysiology, physical examination findings, GI manifestations, diagnostic tools (i.e., serologic, imaging, endoscopic, and functional), and treatment options.

Anti-Inflammatory and Gastroprotective Effects of Escin

“…Gastric emptying time and gastrointestinal transit time are vital aspects related to the digestive system, which play an important role in determining the quality of life. 52,53 Gastrointestinal disorders are accompanied by rheumatological diseases, 54 sepsis, 55 and autoimmune diseases. 56 Escin can promote gastrointestinal motility, reduce postoperative intestinal adhesion and obstruction, and reduce gastric emptying.…”

Unusual invasive candidiasis by Candida glabrata in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: Case report

“…The gastrointestinal complaints that motivated hospitalization were abdominal pain, chronic constipation, and epigastric pain. Despite being non-specific, these symptoms are among the most frequent in SLE [14,15].…”

Coexistence of Crohn’s disease and systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report and literature review

“…It can present as a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms such as oral ulcer, dysphagia, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, etc. Early radiographic manifestations of lupus enteritis were thumb-printing, targeted sign, comb sign, pseudo-obstruction and segmental bowel dilatation, and ‘collar button types’ when involving the colon by barium enema [ 5 , 6 ]. Ultimately, lupus enteritis is divided into two types: type 1 with perforated blood vessels and type 2 with nonspecific ulcers and granulomatous colitis [ 7 , 8 ].…”