Histologic changes in the esophageal muscular layer of MCTD patients

Histological changes in the esophageal muscle layer of MCTD patients. Muscular changes in the esophagus were particularly marked in the inner circular muscular layer.
(A) Slight degeneration of muscular tissue at a very early stage.
(B) Atrophy and degeneration at a relatively early stage.
(C) Degeneration of muscular tissue with fibrosis.
(D) Severe atrophy and degeneration of muscular tissue with fibrosis involving almost the entire muscular layer.
Original magnification: upper, ×20; lower, ×200. Elastica-Masson stain.