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.