Ultrastructure of the esophagus in scleroderma

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Abstract
The ultrastructure of the esophageal wall in progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) was studied in 7 patients and compared with other esophageal diseases. In scleroderma, fibrosis and capillary basement membrane changes were the most characteristic abnormalities. Muscle fibers of patients with scleroderma showed thickened dense bodies and plaques and increased cell organelles in comparison with other disease groups, while neural structures were normal. Our data supported a primary vascular cause, rather than a neurogenic or myopathic process, for esophageal dysfunction in scleroderma.