EVALUATION OF ESOPHAGEAL PASSAGE IN SELECTED CONNECTIVE-TISSUE DISEASES

The objective of this study was to determine whether, as in with other types of connective tissue diseases, there exists esopageal passage d ysfunction as it exists in systemic scleroderma. It was also interesti ng to establish whether there is any correlation between this kind of dysfunction and the subjective complaints connected with the esophagus as well as the occurrence of Raynaud's phenomenon. Evaluation of the esophageal passage was performed on the basis of scinigraphic examinat ion. The delay of esophageal passage occurs, besides systemic sclerode rma, in other types of connective tissue diseases. This examination is a valuable test, thanks to which changes in the esophagus can be disc overed, despite the lack of subjective complaints. In addition to syst emic scleroderma, there is no close correlation between dysphagia and Raynaud's phenomenon.