Contents
Schatzki ring or Schatzki–Gary ring is a thin circular membrane of mucosa & submucosa seen at squamocolumnar junction of the distal oesophagus.
- Does not contain any muscularis propria.
- Upper surface covered with squamous epithelium and lower surface covered with columnar epithelium
- Always associated with a hiatal hernia
- M/C cause of episodic dysphagia for solids & food impactions in adults.
Subtypes:
- A-rings: Above the oesophagus/stomach junction
- B-rings: At the squamocolumnar junction in the lower oesophagus
History:
Richard Schatzki was a renowned radiologist who described a ring-like structure in patients with dysphagia in articles from 1953 to 1963, and that structure would later bear his name.

Clinical features
- Asymtomatic (M/C)
- Symptomatic: Intermittent dysphagia & food impaction
Diagnosis
Imaging
Barium swallow:
Management
Asymptomatic Schatzki rings seldom worsen over time, and need no treatment.
Symptomatic Schatzki rings:
- Esophageal dilatation: Bougie/balloon dilator