Download PDF
Endoscopy 1980; 12(5): 200-204
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1021743
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Gastrointestinal Telangiectasia as a Cause of Severe Blood Loss in Systemic Sclerosis

P.C.M. Rosekrans* , D.J. de Rooy** , F.T. Bosman*** , F. Eulderink*** , A. Cats**
  • *From the Department of Gastroenterology, University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
  • **From the Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
  • ***From the Department of Pathology, University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
17 March 2008 (online)

Also available at
  PDF Download  Permissions and Reprints

Summary

Two patients with progressive scleroderma had severe gastrointestinal blood loss. Endoscopical examination revealed multiple telangiectases in the upper gastrointestinal tract, especially in the stomach. The telangiectases in the skin and the mucosa in systemic sclerosis are indistinguishable endoscopically and histologically from those seen in hereditary hemaorrhagic telangiectasia. Recurrent and severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage originating from telangiectases is an unusual complication of systemic sclerosis.

Key words:

GI-bleeding - Gastrointestinal telangiectasia - Progressive scleroderma