Esophageal motor dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus. Two cases with unusual features.

Two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus had intermittent episodes of dysphagia associated with severe nonpleuritic chest pain. Esophageal manometry disclosed abnormalities characteristic of diffuse esophageal spasm. The findings suggest that diffuse spasm should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained chest pain and dysphagia in patients with lupus.