Clinical Analysis of Patients with Systemic Sclerosis Complicated by Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia

Abstract

The association of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE), which is an unusual vascular abnormality, and systemic sclerosis (SSc) has recently attracted much attention. In this study, we investigated clinical features of SSc patients complicated by GAVE. The prevalence of anti-RNA polymerase III antibody and modified Rodnan total skin thickness score were significantly higher, while hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in SSc patients with GAVE than in those without. Longitudinal observation of GAVE with endoscopy suggested the potential therapeutic effects of intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse and tocilizumab on this complication associated with SSc. Given that GAVE can cause severe acute or chronic gastrointestinal blood loss even in the early stage of SSc, screening with upper endoscopy is quite important for SSc management.